Solidarity with the Lambeth College strikers

Lambeth Left Unity reports on the continuing strike at their local college

Lambeth College UCU’s indefinite strike action continues into its second week, and on the 11th and 12th of June they were joined by UNISON members at the College.

Solidarity delegations and students turned out on the 11th for a sunny strike rally, protesting against management’s attempts to introduce a new package of terms and conditions to reduce holiday and sick pay, and increase working hours.

If mangement were expecting the strikers to start to lose their resolve as the indefinite strike rolled on, they will be sorely disappointed. UCU branch secretary Mandy Brown said: “We have been having more people coming out every single day and joining us.” Branch chair David Esterson added: “There were people speaking at the strike rally today, saying ‘we must fight on until we win’, who last week were going into work. This strike is getting stronger.”

The UNISON strike at the college represents a breakthrough for support workers standing up to management. UNISON members at Lambeth College have never been on strike in a local dispute before and the strength and passion of their action surpassed expectations – and the worst fears of managers. Jim Delaney, UNISON shop steward, said: “Management sent round an email saying they only expected 20 UNISON members to take part in the strike.” On the day, he added, out of 90 members the vast majority came out. UNISON are currently consulting their members at the college on escalating the strike action and expect to be joining the UCU on the picket line in the next fortnight.

The strike rally and pickets overflowed with trade unionists and community campaigners there to show solidarity with the Lambeth College strikers. Teach-outs, a ‘Lambeth College World Cup’ and conga lines gave the strike day a defiant, celebratory feel.

Lambeth Left Unity joined trade union branches in donating to the unions’ strike funds. As long as the strike continues we plan to be fundraising for these strikers, who are standing up for themselves and for workers everywhere.

Please contribute to the strike by sending donations through the strikers website http://lambethcollegestrike.wordpress.com/