On Monday 7 April, staff and students of VU Amsterdam will strike against the government's proposed budget cuts in higher education. The strike is organised by FNV, AOb and WOinActie, as part of a national relay strike involving universities and universities of applied sciences across the country.
"These budget cuts strike at the heart of our education and research, putting their quality under increasing pressure. We see this national relay strike as an important way to send a clear message to the government – to stand together for the future of good education and research. Together we say: Don’t. Do. It." – Margrethe Jonkman, President of the Executive Board
Information for teaching staff
- Please inform students in good time whether your classes (lectures, seminars) will take place. Please communicate this via Canvas.
- Practical sessions will continue as scheduled. If you are unable to participate, please consult your line manager to find a solution.
- Exams will proceed as planned, unless other arrangements have been made. Examiners have been informed.
- Student attendance requirements are suspended on 7 April, except for practical sessions.
- Teaching activities will generally not be rescheduled.
- If you foresee any issues or have questions, please contact your line manager.
Please note: Staff who wish to join the strike do not need to take leave. Participation is covered under special leave, with no deduction from salary.
Information for students
- Your lecturers will inform you via Canvas whether classes or seminars will take place — please check carefully for updates.
- Exams will proceed according to the current schedule, unless you are informed otherwise.
- Attendance requirements are suspended on 7 April, except for practical sessions.
- Practical sessions will continue as scheduled. If you are unable to attend, please consult your lecturer to discuss alternatives.
- All course content will be covered within the regular timeframe of the course.
Leading up to the strike
In the week before 7 April, two ‘warming-up’ events will take place on the VU campus:
- 1 April, 11:00 – 13:00 (Campus Square, near the tents): students and staff will come together to create banners and other materials in preparation for the strike day.
- 4 April, 15:30 – 17:15 (KC07, amphitheatre on the ground floor of the Main Building): screening of a documentary about the 100-hour student occupation of the VU in 1972. The screening will be followed by a discussion with filmmaker Jochum de Graaf, WOinActie representative Catarina Dutilh Novaes, historian of social movements Lucas Poy, and the audience. Together, they will reflect on the past and engage in a conversation about the role of university activism, then and now.
Programme 7 April
08:00 – 10:00 Picketing and flyering at VU campus buildings
10:00 – 12:00 Banner making on the campus square and in the Main Building (HG)
12:45 – 13:30 Stage programme on the campus square with speakers
13:30 – 14:30 March through the Zuidas and back to VU
14:30 – 17:00 Union market with food and drinks on the campus square
17:00 End of strike day
The programme is subject to change. As soon as more information about the programme and any activities on or around campus becomes available, it will be added here.
For more information about the national actions, please visit the websites of FNV, AOb and WOinActie.