Industrial negotiations broke down last week after managers at Cricklade College sacked three lecturers, including whistleblower and national Natfhe negotiator Andrew Murray.
The sackings, the college insists, were the result of cuts and nothing to do with the men's prominent union activity. Mr Murray's role in drawing attention to a Pounds 1 million hole in the college's finances and fraud allegations, which have led to the suspension of principal Richard Evans, have nothing to do with his departure, the college said.
The trade union disagrees. Last weekend, 300 lecturers turned up at a national demonstration outside the college. This week, Natfhe was balloting members on industrial action.