Union staff on strike at college

Members of the National Education Union at Shrewsbury Colleges Group are on strike this week, with more action planned for next week.

It comes after protests in December.

They say the action has been taken because of a dispute over potential disciplinary charges faced by a union representative.

The college, which is not yet teaching students face-to-face, has said it is disappointed at the decision and has a duty to investigate allegations against staff.

Jean Evanson, NEU lead rep at the college said: “This is not an easy step for any of our members to take. However, we have been frustrated by the college management being unwilling to listen to our concerns."

A statement from the union said: "ThecCollege has no 'face to face' lessons for 16 to 18 year old students this week or next, as the management have taken the decision to suspend teaching until the students have all taken the required three supervised lateral flow tests at college.

"However, some provision for adults will be disrupted and members of the NEU will not be available to support students on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Also, they will not be available for the consultation evenings planned on these days."

In a statement Shrewsbury Colleges Group said: "The college is naturally disappointed that the National Education Union committee decided to ballot members and to organise industrial action to take place in March.

"During this difficult time for students and parents/carers, we are frustrated that a small number of NEU members have chosen to attempt to disrupt student learning by taking industrial action. We will take steps to mitigate the impact of this action on student learning and ensure that learning continues.

"We maintain that where there has been an allegation made about any member of staff, the college has a duty to investigate."

They added: "Relations with unions at the college are generally positive and constructive."