Hackney teachers strike over pay and working conditions following college merger

Diane Abbott (in red coat) protested with the striking teachers. Photograph: courtesy NEU

BSix College teachers are staging a series of walkouts in a dispute over pay and workloads following a takeover in August.

Staff at the Clapton establishment cited “dramatic changes” to their working conditions as a result of the sixth form being merged with New City College (NCC).

They also complained about a pay increase that they say does not match that of teachers in other establishments.

Last week, striking workers were joined by local MP Diane Abbott, who said staff had been treated “terribly”.

The strikes are ongoing, with action taking place today and further walkouts scheduled for next week.

David Davies, distrcit officer for the Hackney branch of the National Education Union (NEU), said teachers were angry about a lack of consultation over the merger and ensuing changes.

“NCC has ignored [them]. For many this takeover feels like an attack on the community as well as the teachers and support staff.

“Education workers at BSix will not stand by and let NCC undermine a valuable community asset. Their corporate approach to running education does not sit well with the ethos and culture of BSix.

“There is a strong feeling that the additional workload and lower pay for staff means that students will be getting a worse deal in the long run,” he said.

NCC confirmed that no exams or lessons would be cancelled as a result of the “regretful” strikes.

A spokesperson rebutted claims of unfair pay, claiming that staff received a three per cent pay rise when the merger concluded—more than the increase recommended by the Association of Colleges (AOC).

“It is important to note that the government has funded a pay award of 5.5 per cent for school teachers but has not funded a pay award for college staff.

“The pay award for staff from 1 August 2024 has been funded by NCC.

“NCC agrees that colleges deserve increased funding. If – hopefully when – the government acts upon this, the college will prioritise staff pay.”

When asked how progress could be made on negotiations, an NCC spokesperson did not provide comment.

The spokesperson stressed that prior to the merger, a “full and detailed” consultation took place, “over and above the statutory requirement, with all stakeholders invited to give feedback”.

Davies said the AOC’s pay recommendations had resulted in a £9,000 pay gap between schools and further education, and that sixth form college staff had repeatedly fought for pay parity with schools.

“BSix staff are on sixth form pay and conditions, and are simply asking for what most sixth form colleges and schools are getting—5.5 per cent.

“The budget announced £300 million in additional funding for the post-16 sector. We say use it for pay. Well-paid teachers will ultimately mean that the students get a better deal.

“Within weeks of taking over BSix, NCC is not matching sixth form college pay. Thus the race to the bottom begins, dragging BSix staff towards lower pay.

“Counterparts in schools and other colleges will receive more. They are creating a pay gap between BSix and other sixth form colleges—this is unacceptable.”

Tensions between the staff and their new managers were inflamed further last week when NCC made a last-minute decision to cancel a “trailblazing” conference on the history of African and Caribbean people in Britain.

The college cited “safeguarding” concerns as the reason behind them pulling the event at short notice.

Alongside staff, academics and community activists condemned the move as “racist”.

The manager of Hackney Archives, Dr Etienne Joseph, said: “It amazes me that an event celebrating Black British history could be cancelled.

“This betrays a gross ignorance of the educational landscape as it relates to marginalised histories, and the reasons behind the original establishment of the conference itself.”

An NCC spokesperson said: “Late notice of the planned conference impacted on correct safeguarding measures being put in place in a timely manner, [so] a postponement was requested.

“The organisers arranged an alternative venue and the conference went ahead.”

The spokesperson did not address the claims of racism.