TEACHERS at Lambeth College in south London began an indefinite strike yesterday against unfair pay and conditions for new staff.

University and College Union (UCU) members have taken to the picket lines for the foreseeable future in protest.

Branch chairman David Esterson said that the “strike started really well.”

Picket lines were formed in the early morning at the college’s three campuses in Clapham, Brixton and Vauxhall.

Strikers rallied at the Clapham Centre, and were addressed by one of the college’s Unison members and a rep from Tower Hamlets UCU.

Lambeth Unison branch secretary Ruth Cashman told the Morning Star that her union was “fully behind the UCU.”

“Unison members will strike alongside the UCU unless the management back down on these proposals,” Ms Cashman said.

“Our members wanted to be out today and they stand in total solidarity with teaching staff.”

The dispute is now entering its third month since bosses decided to implement draconian new contracts.

All new workers are subjected to longer hours and less sick pay and holiday.

Unions quickly took action to head off any chance that Lambeth bosses could set a dangerous precedent.

Worryingly, management consultation papers reportedly state that “the new contracts may be rolled out for existing staff.”

And college principal Mark Silverman has been accused of bullying staff and attempting to divide the workers.

Mr Esterson said that the staff were determined: “We intend to continue the strike until we win.”

nA mass picket will be held on Friday at the Clapham campus, followed by a social in the evening. All trade unionists are welcomed.