On the 9th April 2019, further education teachers in Coventry and Warwickshire went on Strike to protest for fair pay. I joined them in their strike, documenting it and getting to know the real people behind the picket lines.
They protested for a pay rise, since the last one was ten years ago, alongside the Government continuously cutting the education funding budget. It is important to note that the teachers are not the only ones impacted by this issue, but the students too. A cut to the education funding budget means cutting down of resources and failing to replace them when they run out. I spoke to some of those striking and asked them what this strike meant for them:
In your own words, what are you striking for:
"An increase in the cost of living pay, as there hasn't been one in the past ten years. Principal and Senior Management salaries have increased during this time."
How have you found the day?
"It's been great! A lively, well supported day with lots of college staff and a range of speakers."
Do you believe your efforts have been successful so far?
"I believe we have successfully brought awareness to the issue and sparked conversation about it."
Teachers in this strike, focused their protest on getting a fair and equal pay to teachers in other settings, such as secondary school. You can follow the strike and be updated on how the cause is going on the UCU website and see how the FE fights back.
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