University and Colleges Union (UCU) members in have intensified their industrial action by withholding marks from college systems and awarding bodies.

In correspondence shared by UCU’s Katharine Clarke, members at SWC will abstain from participating in college open days and other recruitment activities. This move comes amid a broader escalation of actions across the five other Further Education colleges in Northern Ireland where UCU members operate.

Last week marked the 15th day on strike for staff from SWC since September 2023. The UCU members participated in a trade union rally in Enniskillen last Thursday afternoon (January 18), underlining the depth of dissatisfaction among educators.

In conjunction with the new measures which commenced on Monday, January 22, UCU members will persist with previously communicated actions, including the withdrawal of goodwill, working strictly to contract, refraining from overtime, refusing additional duties beyond the agreed program of work, continuous non-cooperation with Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) inspections, and the ongoing non-use of the internal EBS system, with registers being maintained in alternative formats.

The College Employers Forum (CEF) has expressed deep concern about UCU’s directive to withhold assessment and examination marks, as well as the non-participation in open days and recruitment activities.

In a response to the UCU, the CEF acknowledged the union’s right to take action but added that the detrimental impact on students. The CEF’s statement, obtained by this newspaper, stated: “The failure to provide Awarding Bodies and management with the necessary assessment and grades leaves students in the worst possible position at a time when they are seeking to progress to higher education institutions or to employment.”

The letter from the CEF asserted that the current approach “makes students collateral damage” in the ongoing dispute over pay and workload between UCU members and employers.

The roots of this labour dispute trace back to September 2022, with UCU members, who are lecturers, engaging in intermittent strikes. Tensions further escalated when a letter from College President and CEO Celine McCartan was perceived by union members as a potential threat of redundancy during the period of industrial action.

This latest move by UCU members has sparked deep concern among educational authorities, who fear adverse impacts on students’ academic progress and prospects.

As both sides remain entrenched in their positions, the dispute underscores the challenges within the education sector, where the pursuit of fair pay and manageable workloads remains a central concern for educators.

SWC declined to provide a comment when contacted.