Currently, there are no plans for a strike against higher education budget cuts in Delft, but this could change. This was stated by Fred Veer, chairman of the internal trade unions at TU Delft, when asked.
In various cities, there are concrete plans for strikes by university staff. The trade unions and action group WOinActie intend to have the strikes follow one another, creating a ‘relay strike’. For instance, Leiden University staff will stop work on 10 March, followed by Utrecht University a day later, Radboud University on 13 March and the University of Amsterdam on 17 March.
Concerned
Until recently, the willingness to take action in Delft seemed low, according to Veer, as the situation at TU appeared manageable. This has all changed now that TU will implement 10 percent budget cuts. “Since that news came out, I can’t walk anywhere without people approaching me. We’re also receiving many emails from worried employees. They’re asking, for example, about the social plan, as it will expire this year.”
According to Veer, many employees are worried, but it remains to be seen whether they want to translate that feeling into a strike. “The unrest is significant. We will meet with members and consider our strategy. We hope there will be more clarity within a few weeks.”
- Keep an eye on this website for a more elaborate response from the unions regarding the upcoming budget cuts at TU Delft.
- Follow the news about budget cuts in higher education and within TU Delft in our dossier.
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