College staff may go on strike following unsuccessful mediation

Teachers at a college may strike in the coming months, as a union reported that attempts to mediate have gone unanswered.

Staff at LIPA Sixth Form College held an indicative vote in June, favoring industrial action. They will now formally vote on whether to move forward with strikes planned for late November and December.

The National Education Union (NEU) stated that, "despite repeated efforts" to address staff concerns with the college, they have yet to receive a response. A college representative said, "There have been several recent meetings with staff across the group – we remain open to constructive dialogue." 'Completely unresponsive' In June, the union reported that both staff and students had raised concerns about issues like leaking roofs, mouldy carpets, and unreliable IT systems at the college and its affiliated schools.

They also highlighted an increase in staff workload. NEU regional officer Bora Oktas said: "Despite multiple attempts to contact the employer through phone calls, emails, and letters, we have received no response.

"This is the first time I’ve encountered an employer becoming entirely unresponsive to the union representing their workers."

In response, a college spokesperson said, "Significant positive changes have been made in recent months.

"We are disappointed that the decision has been made to proceed with a formal ballot," they added.