The executive board has reached this decision in consultation with the other universities. ‘Employees need not take a day off’, says spokesperson Jan Willem Bol. ‘But those who decide to go forfeit their travel allowance for the day, and we will not be deploying busses.’ Wageningen’s approach matches the agreements made by other universities in the Netherlands.
FNV spokesperson Wouter Hiskemuller calls WUR’s refusal to facilitate transportation by bus ‘Absolutely disappointing.’ He continues: ‘I have heard that other universities will be providing transport.’ The fact that the EB will be present at the protest is met with approval. The demonstration will take place in Utrecht on 14 November and is a joint initiative of unions FNV, CNV and Education Union AOb.
Red
Protesters will gather at the Moreelsepark near Utrecht central station at 13.00 hrs. From there, the group will make its way to the Dom Square for the main programme. The organisers have requested the protesters to use red as much as possible for their slogans and signs. Hiskemuller emphasises that the demonstration is for students and staff.
How many people at WUR are willing to take part in the protest is unclear. ‘I haven’t heard any chatter about it’, says Hiskemuller. ‘But if we fail to act now, you can be certain that a second round of budget cuts will soon follow.’
