Sixth form teachers across London struck on Thursday of last week against funding cuts and attacks on their pay and conditions.
The half-day strike by workers in the NUT union was the first action in a campaign to reverse the cuts.
It was well supported by teachers and students.
Jamie Duff is an NUT rep at BSix College in Hackney, east London. He told Socialist Worker that the cuts would have “a direct impact on the educational opportunities for young people”.
He added, “We have to fight the cuts and build towards a national strike to defend the sixth form sector.”
Jane Hartley, a joint NUT rep at City and Islington College, said, “The impact of cuts on young people is the main worry we have. Michael Gove seems to be against young people.
“Our ballot was for national action—this is just the start.”
Some strikers gathered for a rally at the House of Commons, addressed by John McDonnell MP and NUT deputy general secretary Kevin Courtney.
Many people stressed that the battle to defend sixth forms should be linked to the fight over public sector pensions.
NUT members at BSix have voted overwhelmingly in favour of striking to defend victimised union rep James Drummond in an indicative ballot
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