A professor predicts that the strike is not the last, stating, “For me, this is a historic moment. I don’t think universities in the Netherlands have seen such a prolonged strike before. We will likely need to do this in the future with upcoming budget cuts, so this is ‘training the striking muscles’.” Despite the action, the UvA board maintains its position, citing progress on the issues. However, protestors remain undeterred, with one organizer observing, “One of the slogans is ‘Show me what democracy looks like, this is what democracy looks like.’ That’s the core of this. It’s wonderful to see them standing up for what they truly believe in, and they’re in the right place. They’ve issued a call to the board, and they should have heard them by now.”
Protest March on the Fourth Day of UvA Staff Strike: "We’re Not Done Yet"
On the fourth day of the ongoing strike at the University of Amsterdam (UvA), employees took to the streets once again, this time marching through the heart of the city to underscore their demands for better pay, improved working conditions, and increased job security. The demonstration, organized by the FNV and CNV unions, attracted hundreds of UvA staff members, students, and supporters who united under the theme "We’re Not Done Yet."
The protest march began at the Maagdenburg square, near the Roeterseiland campus, and snaked its way through Amsterdam’s bustling city center, passing iconic landmarks such as the Leidseplein and Dam Square. Chants of "We are not afraid, we are UvA staff," and "Fair pay for all UvA staff, not just the management" echoed through the air, as marchers carried banners and placards demanding fair treatment.
At the head of the march was a lively brass band, cheering on the protesters and drawing attention to their cause. The mood was defiant yet hopeful, with many participants expressing confidence that their collective action would yield positive results.
Since Monday, October 3rd, UvA staff have been striking, following failed negotiations between the unions and the university’s management. The primary sticking points in the dispute are the university’s refusal to offer a pay increase that matches inflation rates, its reluctance to discuss working conditions and job security, and its insistence on linking pay increases to performance metrics.
"We’re Not Done Yet" was the resounding message from the protest march. UvA staff have vowed to continue their strike action until their demands are met, with further walkouts and demonstrations planned for the coming days. They are determined to apply pressure on the university management to engage in productive negotiations that prioritize the welfare and needs of its employees.
The impact of the strike is already being felt on campus. Classes have been canceled, research projects temporarily suspended, and administrative tasks left unattended. Students have shown their solidarity with striking staff, with many attending protests and expressing support on social media using the hashtag #ik immunologicaleFR (I support the UvA staff).
The UvA staff strike highlights a growing trend of labor disputes in the higher education sector, as universities face criticism for their focus on expansion and commercialization at the expense of employees’ working conditions and fair compensation.
As the protest march culminated at the Dam Square, with speeches and performances from striking staff and union representatives, one thing became clear: UvA staff are not backing down until their demands are met. The strike has gained significant public attention and support, and with each passing day, it becomes increasingly difficult for the university management to ignore the collective voice of its employees demanding change.
