CUCU statement in solidarity with Cambridge students’ occupation

Students occupying the University of Cambridge admin buildings at Old Schools 3 March 2020

Cambridge UCU executive sends a message of solidarity to students at the University of Cambridge who have occupied the Old Schools administration building this morning in support of our strike. This follows an open meeting where hundreds of students questioned Vice Chancellor Stephen Toope on what the University was doing to deal with the problems that have led to the third major strike in three years: pay inequality, threats to our pensions, job insecurity, and workload, which leave many staff unable to deliver the kind of education our students deserve. 

From their questions at the open meeting, and through the practical solidarity they have shown on our picket lines, we know that students are on our side. Rather than blaming staff for the disruption to their education, they are clear that they have a common interest in standing with us to defend higher education from the relentless pressures of marketisation wreaking havoc across the sector. Cambridge students are not alone: dozens of student unions have also signed a letter to UCEA and UUK telling them they stand with UCU and support our demands.

We urge the University to respect students’ right to peaceful protest, and call on members to join us for a rally outside Old Schools, at 12.30 today, 3 March, to show our solidarity with the occupation.

3 March 2020