The demonstration took place on the fourth day of the nationwide relay strike in higher education, during which Dutch universities and universities of applied sciences take turns shutting down education and research for a day. An education strike of this scale has never been seen before in the Netherlands.

'These cuts will only make things worse'

On the stage at Dam Square, speeches were delivered by Rens Bod from WOinActie, UvA Executive Board President Edith Hooge, and HvA Executive Board Member Jopie Nooren. ‘Lecturers are already working an average of five unpaid overtime hours per week,’ was heard from the stage. ‘These cuts will only make things worse.’

ASVA National Student Union Chair and student Teun Otte also addressed the crowd: ‘Getting these cuts off the table requires just one thing: taking firm action!’

Relay strike against half a billion in higher education cuts

The strike at UvA and HvA kicked off the second week of protests in higher education. The relay strike continues on Tuesday, 18 March, in Groningen. On Tuesday, 25 March, the Senate will debate the education budget, with a vote expected the following week.