Why are you going on strike?
‘Because the coalition talks are happening right now and this is precisely the moment to make our views heard. Certain promises were made during the election campaign, so they should be kept. At the same time, we want to stress once more how important it is to invest in education. We want to make sure they understand that clearly.’
D66 and CDA are already working on promising plans, aren’t they?
‘Yes, but until anything is finalised, we know nothing. And those promised plans are not particularly clear either. Defence is, for instance, still on the list. Where is that money supposed to come from? We are worried that education will lose out. And until the new policy officially receives the green light, the government continues with the same course it has taken in recent years. We are already experiencing the effects of that. High workload, restrictions on academic freedom, declining numbers of international students. That is why we need to go to Amsterdam, to make our point once more.’
So far only four people have signed up for the bus…
‘That is disappointingly few, yes, but you often see people wake up as the day approaches. The FNV has promised us a bus if we manage to gather enough people, but they do have to sign up by tomorrow at the latest. Fortunately we already know that plenty of people from other universities will be there, so we are not completely helpless. Personally I think the date is not ideal. Many people are tired or ill, visiting family abroad, or simply do not have the time because of the high workload and everything that still needs to be wrapped up before Christmas. There is not much of a protest culture in Enschede anyway, so last year’s big turnout was really an important signal. I also notice a sense of weary resignation among many, as if protesting will not make a difference. I have hardly been able to hand out flyers myself, because I am also dealing with quite a high workload.’
You are one of the speakers on the day. What will you talk about?
‘I have not written the speech yet and it obviously has to align with the message of WO in Actie, but we will address themes such as academic freedom, the importance of broad investment in higher education, and innovation for the future of the Netherlands. I also think it is important that we continue to attract international students and colleagues to safeguard independent scholarship. We should not only try to attract top scientists from the United States who can no longer do their work there. Scientists from other countries are welcome too.’
