Journalism & News from Bournemouth University

Bournemouth and Poole College staff to strike this week

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graphic showing a teachers strike
Graphic by Lois Watts
As of tomorrow, members of the University and College union and staff from Bournemouth and Poole college plan to strike until the end of the week.
After months of negotiation about working conditions and overpay failed to reach an agreement, staff plan on forming picket lines between 8am and 10:30am everyday until Friday. These will be held at the college’s North Road site in Poole.
On Thursday, picket lines will also be held on the Lansdowne site on Meyrick Road between 8am and 10:30am.
College lectures are earning £9,000 less than school teachers. The University and College Union (UCU) are urging people to support the staff as 24 other colleges across the country also strike this week.
There will also be a national rally at the Emmanuel Centre in Westminster, London.
UCU is calling for a New Deal for Further Education. The campaign is asking for a 10%/£3,000 pay rise, parity with the school teacher pay within the next three years and close equality pay gaps.
The UCU’s sister unions: NEU, GMB, UNISON and Unite are also supporting the New Deal for FE.
UCU’s general secretary Jo Grady has released a statement where she says:
“Industrial action is a last resort for our members, but staff up and down England have been left with no choice. There is still time for colleges to make fair offers that help close the pay gap between school and college teachers.”
Bournemouth and Poole college have sent a statement in preparation for the strikes tomorrow. A spokesperson has said, “We respect the right of colleagues to take industrial action and remain committed to constructive dialogue with staff representatives in order to reach a resolution that works for everyone.”
The college were able to make a 3% pay rise in summer 2025 and have raised pay across all staff by a cumulative increase of 15.8% since summer 2022. They say, “We are committed to increase keeping pay under review and, if funding increase, will evaluate the opportunity to raise it further. We regret that we are not in a position to do this at this time.”
The college plans to minimise disruption for students and will remain open throughout the week.
The BUzz news team will report at the strikes tomorrow.