Although the Dutch Senate already approved the education budget last Tuesday – including the proposed 1.3 billion in cuts – relay strikes at educational institutions across the country are set to continue. Protests are scheduled to take place in Wageningen, Eindhoven and Delft, with Maastricht University taking its turn on Wednesday 16 April. A letter of solidarity with the strike, signed by staff and students from UM, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences and the Open University, had already collected over 2,100 signatures by Wednesday morning. It remains to be seen how many people will show up for the protest on Vrijthof Square at 1.00 p.m. on 16 April.
A political strike?
The strike has the full support of the UM Executive Board, which begs the question: can it still be considered a “real” strike? After all, strikes are typically directed against employers to demand better pay or working conditions. It’s quite a complex issue, Gundt told her online audience on Tuesday evening. “But the Dutch Supreme Court follows a very broad interpretation of the fundamental right to strike. Anything that actively contributes to the right to collective bargaining falls under it. In this case, the aim is clear – to pressure the government into reconsidering the budget cuts and reopening negotiations.” Some have described the action as a political strike, but that’s not entirely accurate, noted Gundt. “A political strike would target the current administration as a whole, for example, whereas this action is focused specifically on the education cuts.”
Payment
What about pay – do employees still get paid while on strike? Generally not, said Gundt, although union members may be eligible for strike pay. In this case, however, UM has already announced that staff will not need to take leave in order to participate.
Can a court block a strike? Yes, for instance if public order is at stake, explained Gundt. “Or if the damage to the employer is excessive. Of course, employers will always suffer some damage when staff aren’t working, and they have to accept that. But if we all start going around smashing up computers next week, a judge might be less sympathetic towards future strikes. That kind of damage goes beyond the scope of the protest and is intentionally inflicted, which isn’t permitted.”
Impact others
Strikes can also be restricted if they significantly impact others. “In healthcare, for example, emergency care must always continue. And the judiciary can’t come to a complete standstill either, as it would violate people’s right to a fair trial. In such situations, alternative actions may be considered, such as a ‘go-slow’, where people deliberately slow down their work, or a short two-hour strike.”