Sinn Féin MLA Pádraig Delargy has called for Further Education College lecturers to be given a fair pay deal as they take to the picket line in their campaign for a pay increase.

The party’s Further & Higher Education spokesperson said:

“College lecturers should be given a fair pay increase that reflects the hard work they do in teaching students a range of subjects, providing them with better life and job opportunities.

“These lecturers should not be forced to go on picket lines to get fair pay.

“It is unfair that their pay is well below the rates for workers in other jurisdictions, especially when they are struggling to pay increased energy bills, fuel costs and food prices.

“The British Secretary of State’s cruel and savage cuts to public services is preventing these workers from getting a decent pay rise.

“Public services need to be properly funded and resourced, and an Executive formed now and working together to deliver for communities.

“Sinn Féin will continue to support these workers and their ongoing demand for fair pay and conditions and I am calling on the colleges to constructively engage with unions to find a resolution.“