A long-running dispute between Barnsley College and its support staff is set to continue, after workers voted in favour of further strikes, UNISON says today (Wednesday).
Staff have already walked out for 11 days since September. The most recent ballot saw almost 90% vote in favour of further action.
The ongoing dispute relates to Barnsley College’s unwillingness to negotiate pay, says UNISON.
During the dispute, the college has put in place a new pay structure without speaking to unions or staff. UNISON was only made aware of the change during talks with arbitration service Acas.
The union says staff cannot rely on the goodwill of senior managers to ensure wages keep up with the rising cost of living. It is crucial that the college negotiates over pay, says the union.
UNISON says Barnsley College has also introduced other changes to the staff salary scales without any consultation.
The union’s Barnsley branch has written to managers at the college, inviting them to enter new talks via Acas in an attempt to end the dispute.
UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser Robin Symonds said: “This overwhelming vote in favour of continuing strike action is a loud and clear message to senior managers at Barnsley College.
“Staff feel undervalued and underappreciated. They deserve to be paid fairly for the work they do.
“There’s an easy way for managers to resolve this dispute. That’s to get round the table and enter proper negotiations.”
