“The perfect moment to make plans together and build up energy for 9 December.” According to the organisers, that’s the reason to come to a mobilisation lunch at Pulse next Monday. The lunch is a first step towards a new strike in higher education on 9 December. On that day, there will be a demonstration on Dam Square in Amsterdam. It is a moment to coordinate, get informed and share concerns, according to the organisers.
- The meeting will take place on Monday 1 December in the Pulse education building (Hall 4, accessible from the IO square) and will last from 12:30 to 13:30. In order to know how much lunch to buy, the organisers ask you to register on the website.
Higher education in the Netherlands is at a turning point, they write in a specially created LinkedIn group. They speak of increasing pressure and cutbacks that are making teaching and research more difficult. “At the same time, we see growing investments elsewhere. […] When we “connect the dots,” it becomes clear that universities can only fulfill their public mission when we invest in them — not dismantle them.”
Frequent action
Since the now outgoing cabinet announced its intention to cut spending in early 2024, higher education has taken frequent action against the cuts. For example, on 24 April, TU staff and students downed tools and demonstrated on campus. And just over a year ago, when some 20,000 people gathered at the Malieveld to make their voices heard.
Although, according to the organisation, this had a major impact, it is not yet enough in view of the coalition negotiations. ‘This is the perfect time to translate our perseverance into results. […] The demolition must stop. The recovery begins now.’
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