York College will be closed on Monday as tutors take strike action.
Members of the University and College Union are set to walkout after rejecting a pay rise of 2.5%.
By contrast, school teachers have accepted a 6.5% pay rise.
Members of the University and College Union (UCU) will strike from 8am to 10am on Monday and are also scheduled for the same action on Friday (15 September).
A University and College Union spokesperson told YorkMix: “We have been in negotiations over pay with senior management since January 2023.
“We originally claimed a 10% pay rise but have always stated a willingness to compromise.
“Management imposed a 2.5% award in January and unfortunately have shown no willingness to compromise.”
The spokesperson said members have voted for industrial action six times so far this year “but have shown restraint up to this point”.
“Now feel we have no alternative but to take strike action. The cost of living crisis means 2.5% is not acceptable.”
They said York College principal Lee Probert has chosen to close college on Monday (11 September).
“We hoped threat of strike action would persuade him to show more flexibility before then.
“We are willing to return to negotiations at any time.”
A spokesperson for York College said: “In this year’s pay round all our employees received a 2.5 per cent consolidated pay rise, effective from January 1, 2023.
“In addition, employees received a non-consolidated payment on December 30 last year which ranged from £300, to £800, with larger payments targeted towards lower paid staff.”
Principal Lee Probert told staff at the college stated that in the light of additional FE Funding effective from this academic year, he was “really optimistic” that employees would be granted a 6.5% pay rise, effective from 1 January, 2024.
Mr Probert said: “While respecting the right of trade unions and trade union members to take lawful industrial action, it is a matter of great regret that our students’ first day has been targeted and, since we cannot effectively anticipate the participation in industrial action, we have taken the difficult decision to close to students on Monday, September 11.
“All staff have been focussing on ensuring that our Induction Days this week have provided a positive first impression and welcoming environment for our new students. We also look forward to seeing everybody back on campus on Tuesday, September 12 when College will reopen to students as normal for the start of the new academic year.”