New strike against budget cuts on 9 December

On 9 December, WO in Actie, student unions, various action groups, FNV, and AOb, among others, are organizing a strike to once again draw attention to the disastrous consequences of budget cuts in higher education. The hope is that this will put pressure on the parties forming the new government and thus prevent further deterioration. The Board of the University of Groningen supports this message.

Future on the negotiating table

The Schoof cabinet announced major cuts to higher education and science in their In the Framework Coalition Agreement. These were later confirmed in the Budget Memorandum. Unions and staff had already taken action against the announced cuts in the form of a national day of action and a series of relay strikes. A national strike day was canceled due to the fall of the cabinet. However, the fall of the cabinet did not mean that the plans are off the table. The unions are therefore calling for renewed action, now that the future of higher education and science is on the negotiating table.

Back in action

The new protest will take place on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, at Dam Square in Amsterdam. The protest will start at 12 p.m. and last until 4 p.m. Staff who want to participate in the protest can register via the FNV or AOb website, even if they are not members. They will then be kept informed of the programme.

Plans are being made in Groningen to travel to Amsterdam by bus. Both staff and students can use this service free of charge. It is not necessary to be a member of one of the unions. The organization needs at least 150 people who want to use the bus service. Register before 1 December via the form.

Important function

The CvB has previously been critical of the cuts. Partly thanks to the lobbying of our CvB, some of the cuts have already been eliminated. They also lobbied for an exception to the WIB. Although the austerity plans have already been adjusted, they still put severe pressure on the quality of research, teaching, and accessibility for students. The UG is firmly rooted in the Northern Netherlands and has an important regional function. With our teaching and research, we work to develop talent and a better, sustainable society. The planned cuts seriously jeopardize these goals.

Participation in the strike

The strike at the University of Groningen is being organized by WO in Actie, GSB, various action groups, and FNV and AOb. More information about the exact details of the strike can be found on their channels. UG staff may decide for themselves whether they wish to participate in the strike, even if they are not a member of one of the organizations involved. No wages will be withheld from staff participating in the strike. Participants are requested to inform their manager about their participation. The Board considers it important that  planned assessments can go ahead and asks academic staff to take this into account. 

On the FNV website, staff members can find more information about their rights and obligations during a strike. Students cannot strike because they are not employed by the UG. They may, of course, join the protests that are being organized.