TEACHING staff at a south-west London college are set to strike for two more days later this month in an ongoing battle against fire and rehire, their union announced today.

University and College Union (UCU) members at Richmond upon Thames College will down tools on June 21 and 28 when the college holds open days for prospective students and parents.

The dispute, which saw more than 70 workers walk out for five consecutive days last month, comes after management announced plans to sack 127 teachers and force them to reapply for their jobs on worse terms and conditions.

Staff are also continuing to take action short of a strike by not performing additional voluntary duties, said the union, which accused bosses of “repeatedly refusing” to remove a threat to dismiss those unwilling to sign the new contracts.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady slammed the “deplorable” situation, warning: “The last thing management should want to see is prospective students and parents walking past a picket line of protesting teachers.”

Local Lib Dem MP Munira Wilson has called on bosses to act, while Labour MP Barry Gardiner visited the picket line last month.

The college accused the union of making “inflammatory and inaccurate” statements and said it would continue to support students facing any disruption.