After it was announced that the University and College Union (UCU) had voted in favour of a three week strike to challenge incoming redundancies, Goldsmiths students shared their conflicting feelings on the matter.
Following an online survey taken by 80 university students, 85% of the replies were in favour of the upcoming strike.
Student learning will be significantly affected but despite this, some students have expressed solidarity with protesting staff members.
Jake Simms, MA Global Political Economy said: “I think it’s absolutely disgraceful what senior management are doing… let alone during a pandemic.”
On November 4, members of the Goldsmiths University and College Union (UCU) voted to take industrial action in response to cuts proposed by senior management.
Staff will cease all academic involvement, and will organise a picket line encouraging other members of the university community to respect the strike.
The planned redundancies include 20 academics in English & Creative Writing and History, as well as 32 professional services staff.
For undergraduate student Edain Bradley, the restructure threatens the future of both of her departments.
The English & History student said: “I feel like I need to support these lecturers who have supported me over the past three years.”
Many students expressed empathy, but also raised grievances over the loss of teaching time and lack of financial compensation, especially after the pandemic.
Raynia Samuel, a 2nd year BSc Psychology student who signed the Goldsmiths Strike Pledge, said: “As a student, it is frustrating because we feel it directly day to day, but I am in support of the staff who also feel the effects [of Goldsmiths management’s plan].”
One anonymous survey respondent said: “After a year of online learning I am absolutely furious to hear that there will now be a strike.”
They went on to demand financial compensation, adding: “Goldsmiths needs to stop treating their employees and students appallingly.”
The survey also asked students about whether they would participate in a tuition fee strike, for which over 75% were in favour.
For international students currently enrolled in Goldsmiths postgraduate courses, three weeks tuition costs about £1600 – £1800.
Prior to the strike ballot, the Goldsmiths Student Union, who represent the student body, said: “If students and staff do not act now, more staff will be made redundant, and more student-facing services will be cut.”
Goldsmiths University is part of 37 other institutions undergoing strikes this month. This follows the UK-wide strike last year by university workers over pay, pensions and working conditions, highlighting the cracks in UK’s higher education institutions, many of which are struggling financially.
Teaching is set to resume on Tuesday 14 December 2021, but the strike can be called off at any time if Goldsmiths’ management makes a satisfactory offer to staff.