Students and staff at the University of Edinburgh came together in a Solidarity Assembly for the second time on Wednesday 30 September.
An estimated 600 people attended the Assembly, organised by the Student Staff Network (SSN) at Potterow.
On Monday 28 September, members of the Edinburgh branch of the University and College Union (UCU) began a strike due to last five weeks. This was announced following the university’s confirmation of £140 million in budget cuts, putting at risk 1800 jobs and 90 course programmes.
Last week, the first student-staff solidarity assembly (SSA) saw a huge turnout, with over 900 people gathering in Appleton Tower.
The Student attended the second assembly to get a sense of student and staff sentiment around the university’s financial decisions now that strike action has officially begun.
Those attending heard from university teaching and service staff, as well as student organisers and union representatives.
Discussions centred around the university’s financial situation, its governance structure, and the potential for divestment from companies with financial ties to Israel.
Towards the end of the two-hour slot, attendees split into working groups to focus on “more concrete action” and “plan next steps,” according to one student organiser.
The SSA also addressed the alleged threats received by international students regarding their visa requirements. The “know your rights” speech clarified that, while there are attendance requirements attached to visas, students cannot be penalised for attending teach-outs or picket lines.
A brief Q&A at the end of the assembly enabled students to speak directly with staff and union representatives. Many sought advice on balancing solidarity with the expectation to attend classes that are still running.
After the event, The Student spoke to Will Fearn, a student involved in organising the SSAs. He emphasised the importance of students continuing to mobilise, in order to “show senior management that there is a student voice at the university,” and to make that voice heard.
The next SSA is due to take place on Wednesday 14 October, with a greater focus expected on organising within working groups.
Image by Ulia Makoveeva for The Student
