Union members at Greenwich Community College are voting to strike over the failure to give a pay rise promised four years ago.

A pay deal drawn up by the Association of Colleges in 2004 was meant to make college lecturers’ pay equal to that of school teachers, who benefit from extra allowances on top of their basic earnings.

But according to the University and College Union, the association has yet to honour this agreement in 11 colleges across the country, including Greenwich Community College, in Plumstead Road, Plumstead.

The union is calling for the colleges to honour this agreement or face strike action at the end of next month.

Union general secretary Sally Hunt said: “Members in this college are getting second-class pay for first-class teaching.

“They have waited four long years for a deal agreed with the national employers to be implemented.

“It is completely unacceptable for these colleges to think they can get away with an IOU for four years.”

The union says it has consistently made it clear that it is willing to take into account local circumstances and agree ways to implement the plans.

Ms Hunt added: “Flexible agreements have been made on the pay scales at a host of other colleges with serious financial difficulties and the remaining eleven have no excuses whatsoever.

“It is a matter of priorities and our members have waited long enough.”

Union members began voting on whether to strike today and the result will be announced on January 12.