Lancaster student solidarity rally will stand ‘with staff, and against cuts’

The Lancaster Student Solidarity group has announced a “student solidarity rally” to stand “with staff, and against cuts to our education”.

Taking place at 12pm tomorrow (Friday 28th November) in Alexandra Square, the protest follows Lancaster University College Union’s (UCU) decision to cease industrial action. This decision came after Lancaster University ruled out compulsory redundancies for academic staff.

According to the group’s Instagram post, the rally will focus on the threat of compulsory redundancies for the Professional Services (PS) staff, protecting education in the face of budget cuts and wider issues of course restructuring, bar closures and student services being “stretched thin”.

In the post’s caption, the group encourages student participation in “stand[ing] in full solidarity with staff, and against cuts to our education”. It cites that although industrial action was called off, staff were allegedly put under “pressure” for voluntary resignations.

The group further referenced the possibility of compulsory redundancies being halted until the end of the academic year, a move the university confirmed in an email blast to students last week.

Outside of the strikes, Lancaster Student Solidarity expressed its dissatisfaction with the effect of budget cuts on students, such as campus bar closures and curriculum restructuring.

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A post shared by Students Support Strikes (@lancaster.student.solidarity)

Last academic year saw the closure of four campus bars of Bowland College, Lonsdale College, Pendle College, and Grizedale due to university budget cuts and concerns about profitability. The decision drew significant student opposition from both the student body, the Lancaster University Students’ Union, and college JCR executives.

Grizedale Bar has since semi-reopened for special events.

The post’s caption concluded: “As long as the financial pressure and management’s prioritisation of commercial projects remains, the livelihood of the workers and the support available for students is in an inherently precarious position.”

A vote of no confidence in pro-chancellor and chair of the University Council, Rt. Hon. Alistair Burt, was passed today (27th November), with tomorrow’s protest following this decision.

The union has accused the pro-chancellor of poor operational oversight and complaints about his governance, particularly towards the wellbeing of staff during budget cuts.

However, Lancaster University said its council members operate to high standards and are being “proactive” and “transparent” at a time of “profound financial challenges” across the sector nationwide.

Lancaster University has not yet responded to a request for comment. 

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Featured image via @lancaster.student.solidarity on Instagram