UNISON members at Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication, Chislehurst have been involved in a series of three day strikes against plans to "market test" cleaning, caretaking, grounds and buildings maintenance, and the college shop! This follows negotiations which started back in February where the union made great concessions and met all the target financial savings set by management. Although a small (and badly paid) group of staff, the people targeted by this exercise have, between them, over 250 years' service to the College. Pickets have been maintained from 6 a.m. each morning, despite incredibly heavy-handed tactics from management and from the police.
The majority of students have stayed away from college and many who went in told pickets that they were in support but felt pressured by end-of-year work. Several NATFHE members respected the picket line. The strikers visited UNISON Annual Conference and were given a standing ovation. Management have now been forced to reopen negotiations.