RUG Employees to Strike on March 18 Against Education Budget Cuts
University staff are to protest budget cuts as part of nationwide relay strike.
On Tuesday, March 18, employees of the University of Groningen (RUG) will join a nationwide relay strike to protest the government’s proposed budget cuts to higher education. The strike is part of a series of university-led actions taking place across the Netherlands, with institutions taking turns to stop work. RUG is the eighth university to participate.
Why the Strike?
The Schoof cabinet announced plans for significant reductions in the education budget, initially targeting a cut of €2 billion, later reduced to €1.25 billion after negotiations with opposition parties. These cuts primarily impact universities and colleges, with measures such as limiting the number of international students and reinforcing Dutch as the primary language in higher education. Universities rely heavily on income from international students, who pay higher tuition fees than Dutch students. As a result, the planned budget reductions threaten financial stability and educational quality.
Planned Strike Activities
The exact structure of the strike in Groningen is still under discussion. However, ideas include starting the strike within individual faculties before gathering for a central meeting in the city center. The strike will likely coincide with the Senate's vote on the 2026 budget, where the first consequences of these cuts will become evident.
Unions, including WO in Actie, the AOb, FNV, and student unions, are leading the strike. They previously issued an ultimatum to Education Minister Eppo Bruins in December, demanding a response by January 10 and the withdrawal of the cuts. Bruins responded after the deadline, prompting unions to escalate their actions. The relay strike is just the first step, with the possibility of further protests in the future.
Nationwide Protest Timeline
The national relay strike began on March 10 in Leiden, followed by Utrecht (March 11), Nijmegen (March 13), and Amsterdam (March 17). After Groningen, universities in Maastricht, Tilburg, and Rotterdam will follow, with the last strike planned for April 10.
RUG’s Position on the Strike
It remains unclear whether the RUG Executive Board fully supports the strike. In a letter to the unions on February 4, the board expressed agreement with the protest’s objectives but emphasized that education and research should not be disrupted. RUG Council member Gerard Ritsema van Eck noted that some employees are concerned about whether they will receive institutional backing.
College chairman Jouke de Vries reiterated that while the board opposes the budget cuts, it also respects the rights of employees who choose to strike. "There are also people who want to teach that day or continue their research. Employees have the right to strike and do not need permission to do so," he stated.