Teachers' union Natfhe is balloting its members in England and Wales for a two-day strike over pay.
Yesterday, FE lecturers were offered a pay rise of 1.5% from the Association of Colleges - an increase of £4.11 a week for the lowest-paid academic on £14,254 a year.
Lecturers earn between 12 and 15% less than schoolteachers.
The general secretary of Natfhe, Paul Mackney, said members felt "insulted" by the increase.
Last year, FE lecturers staged a one-day strike over pay. A two-day strike was called off after the government seemingly said it would work towards parity with schoolteachers over pay.
"Last year we called a two-day strike on the understanding that everyone was working towards September 2004 parity," said Mr Mackney.
"The offer of 2% less than what the teachers got doesn't indicate a move towards parity. It's a case of half a step forward last year and three steps back now."
Ivor Jones, director of employment policy at the AoC, said strike threats were "premature" as negotiations were ongoing.
Pay talks have only just begun and lecturers - including those represented by Natfhe - and colleges have been engaged in a joint campaign to persuade the government to put more money into further education.
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