TU Delft will go on strike too: employees and students to suspend work on 24 April

Hall 1 in Pulse started filling up shortly before 16:30. Given the level of interest in the meeting, it was moved to this larger hall. The space can accommodate about 120 people, but even before the meeting officially started almost all the seats were taken. Latecomers had to stand. The audience, made up of staff members and students, were welcomed by representatives of the organisers, the FNV, AOb and VSSD unions. The call on the big screen at the front of the hall was clear: ‘Action Meeting TU Delft – Strike, strike, strike!’

Historic

Gijs Kooistra, Board Member of the FNV trade union, opened the meeting. “It is fantastic to see so many people. It is often hard to organise action at TU Delft, but this time we were united by the cutbacks,” he said. He explained the meaning behind the national relay strike in which universities and universities of applied sciences take it in turns to stop work on different days. Previous actions were held in Leiden, Utrecht, Nijmegen, Amsterdam and Groningen. “In total, 17,000 people took action,” said Kooistra. “This is historic in the university landscape.”

‘The word ‘strike’ may sound heavy, but it makes you stronger judicially’

Kooistra believes that a strike is more effective than a demonstration and it means that you are better protected legally. “You do not need the permission of your supervisor to strike, but you do need it for a demonstration. The word ‘strike’ may sound heavy, but it makes you stronger judicially.”

Student solidarity

The meeting is interactive. The audience can ask questions and share ideas. A frequently repeated concern is whether the strike really will have an impact. “How do we reach the decision-makers?” one person asks. Media attention and a strong story are crucial, answers Kooistra. “The strike in Wageningen will probably be a farmers’ protest. What will TU Delft’s story be?”

The involvement of students was also discussed. Alexander Znamesnkiy from the VSSD students union assures everyone that many students stand behind the staff. “We will stand shoulder to shoulder with you until these cutbacks have been scrapped!”, he calls out to loud applause.

‘Unless Eindhoven comes up with a date, the relay strike will end with a bang at TU Delft’

Another member of the audience notes that some students are not aware of the consequences of the cutbacks. How can these be made clear?  “Make it tangible,” is one suggestion. “Show what the direct consequences are, such as bigger lectures and less one-on-one contact.”

Lecture on the Markt

Apart from concerns, there are plenty of ideas about how the strike should be arranged. These include posters, communication packages, personal stories from teachers, and even a lecture on the Markt. The audience also argues for support staff to be involved, such as library and reception personnel.

The question to choose a strike date immediately led to a vote. After considering practical difficulties such as exams and holiday periods, the choice unanimously falls on Thursday 24 April. “Unless Eindhoven comes up with a date, the relay strike will end with a bang at TU Delft,” calls out Kooistra. “Even if it is holiday time, bring your children. It is not a free day, it is a strike day!” The audience bursts into loud applause and whistles.