Staff and students from Erasmus University Rotterdam and Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences went on strike on Tuesday, 8 April. The protest was aimed at the government's multi-billion euro cuts to higher education. 'The Netherlands will feel the impact when the axe falls on our knowledge economy,' said Annelien Bredenoord, President of the Executive Board of the university.
Every euro invested in education and research pays for itself multiple times over
The effects of the budget cuts are already being felt in Rotterdam. Universities and universities of applied sciences fear increased workloads, reduced personal guidance for students, and the discontinuation of important research projects.
'Especially in times like these, we need to invest in science and higher education to keep up in the race for innovation. Every euro pays for itself multiple times over,' said Bredenoord. 'This concerns issues like safety, housing, climate, and poverty. Our students and researchers are working on these issues – right here in Rotterdam, in our region, and far beyond.'
In the photo from left to right: Hanneke Reuling, member of the Board of Governors of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Sarah Wilton - Wels Chair of the Board of Governors of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Annelien Bredenoord, President of the Executive Board of EUR and Jantine Schuit, Rector Magnificus EUR.
Protest signs & speeches
The day began with the making of protest signs on campus. Staff were busy with scissors, cardboard, and glue. From 12:00 noon, everyone gathered at Willemsplein. More than 2,000 staff and students turned out. They listened to various politicians and education administrators speaking from the stage.
Said Kasmi, Alderman for Education, Culture and Events: 'Educational institutions are the backbone of our city. They foster talent development in Rotterdam and across the Netherlands. That’s what we need right now. The government claims to focus on innovation. That calls for investment in education – investment in the future. Not cuts.'
From playground to library
Following this, various lecturers and researchers gave lessons throughout the city.
Maartje Luijk, who researches child-rearing practices, demonstrated her work on a playground at Schiedamse Singel. Researchers engaged children in conversations. Luijk: 'In a playful way, we talk about growing up in the city. ‘What’s it like at home?’ we ask the children. We’ve just protested; we’re angry. With these outdoor lessons, we want to show what the city stands to lose when education is cut.'
Is she already seeing the effects of the proposed cuts? 'We’re seeing courses being closed in other parts of the country. That hasn’t happened here yet, but it creates a lot of uncertainty. ‘Will I still have a job next year?’ And we’re already noticing a drop in funding. Will we be able to offer fewer seminars soon? What will that mean for students?'
Sabine, a student of Pedagogical Sciences, added: 'We know how important education is for the next generation. I just don’t think it’s wise to cut back on it. I’m afraid the quality of teaching will decline and the workload for lecturers will increase. And yet education is so important.'
In front of the Paulus Church, pastor Martijn van Leerdam, researcher Beitske Boonstra and D66 councillor Joan Nunnely spoke about the importance of collaborations between social institutions and higher education. Erasmus University Rotterdam, for example, works closely with the Pauluskerk to find effective solutions to homelessness.
At the Rotterdam library, scientist Sophie van der Zee gave a lecture on lies and disinformation. It is often difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood. But how do you recognise it anyway?
Relay strike
The 8 April protest in Rotterdam is part of the relay strikes that will take place across the country until 24 April. It is organised by the trade unions. See the programme on the AOb website.
Senate approves budget cuts
By mid-afternoon, the Dutch Senate approved the €1.2 billion in cuts to higher education. University association UNL immediately announced legal action, stating that the Minister of Education, Culture and Science had violated the administrative agreement made with universities in 2022. The agreement had promised €300 million per year for starter and incentive grants.
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