People Before Profit Cllr Shaun Harkin said,
“We’ve been proud to join lecturers and support staff on the Magee picket line throughout the first week of their 10-day strike. The level of support from students, trade unions and the passing public has been great to see.
University bosses have forced this strike because of their refusal to address the expansion of insecure zero hour contracts or step back from a major assault on workers pensions.
Up to half of university lecturers are now on temporary or part-time contracts. Insecure work devalues education.
When university management undermines the teaching conditions of their workforce it also undermines the learning conditions of students. That’s why this strike is so important.
In addition to the key issues of work insecurity and pensions, pay has been cut by up to 20% over the last decade. There’s been a general gutting out of respect for what’s done in the classroom.
What’s happening in universities is part of a much broader running down of workers rights across society. University management has embraced an entirely corporate way of thinking that doesn’t fit an educational setting. University workers and students are losing out while pay for top university management keeps escalating.
University management model the treatment of its workforce on some of the worst corporate practices – and then reward themselves for it.
Elites and the super-rich have got their way for too long. Across society more and more workers are taking a stand for improved pay, better terms and conditions. Everyone has the right to secure work and a decent pension. Solidarity is going to be key to winning respect and equality.”