Hackney Green Party councillors and activists have stood with striking BSix staff, students and the community on the picket line this week as action begins over cuts by New City College (NCC).
The cuts put 43 jobs at risk and A-Level courses, overseas placements, safeguarding roles and the Knowledge is Power programme have already been cut
The college is a vital part of Hackney’s education system, a lifeline for many working-class, migrant and refugee students who have not been provided with adequate opportunities elsewhere.
Green Councillor for Stoke Newington Liam Davis said “We will not let this happen behind closed doors.
“We will fight for BSix, for truly inclusive, anti-racist education, and for proper public oversight wherever possible.”
The Knowledge is Power program gave students the chance to study Black history, colonialism, imperialism, and systems of power, content largely missing from the core curriculum.
Strike action was begun by staff with the National Education Union (NEU) after delivering a unanimous vote of no confidence in NCC leadership.
Laura-Louise Fairley, Hackney Green Party activist, said while joining the strike on Friday the 13th: “Hackney is not a production line. It is an ecosystem.
“BSix is at the heart of our community and we will not stand by and let corporate governance destroy its soul and the future of so many young people.”
Greens argue that New City College’s actions reflect a much wider trend of creeping acadamisation, corporate restructuring, and the steady hollowing out of public education.
While forcing through cuts, a new Deputy Principal roll has also been advertised with a salary of £95,000 per year, reflecting a trend towards seeing inflated leadership pay while frontline staff are cut.
Hackney Green's back the call for full reinstatement of lost courses, placements, and programs, protections of BSix staff, and an urgent review of New City College’s management decisions.
Green activist and student Dylan Law said: "An attack on BSix is ultimately an attack on more vulnerable young people.
"Those who are complicit in doing so should be met with immediate resistance"
You can join the picket line while strike action is taking place between June 12th and July 4th from 8-9 am, on Kenninghall Road.
Or sign the petition at:
