National action week against austerity (EP27)
Coinciding with the start of the spring session of the Swiss parliament, academic mid-level staff across Switzerland rose to fight planned budget cuts that threaten the quality and integrity of Swiss higher education and research. Together with allies from student associations and unions, we organized various actions against the unnecessary dismantling of the academic system.
February 28, Zurich
March 2, Bern
On March 2, actionuni co-organized a press conference in Bern. Together with swissfaculty, VSS-UNES-USU, and SPP/VPOD, our co-president Oliver Spiess talked about the drastic impact that the budget cuts would specifically have on academic-mid level staff.
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March 3, Lausanne
In front of the Amphimax of the University of Lausanne, mid-level staff protested against the severe consequences of the planned budget cuts. Philippine Milward, representative of ELSA (EPFL Scientific Staff Association), emphasized the damage on Switzerland’s reputation and innovation.
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March 3, Neuchâtel
At a rally in Neuchâtel, Lisa Stalder, president of ACINE (Association du corps intermédiaire de l’Université de Neuchâtel), explained that our job security and research conditions are crucial to tackle climate change, rising inequality, and the challenges of new technologies.
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March 5, Genève
Finally, a demonstration with the slogan «Against the cuts. For a strong higher education system» took place in Genève. Marion Bouffier, committee member of ACCORDER (Association Commune du CORps des collaborateurs et des collaboratrices De l’Enseignement et de la Recherche), said in a speech that if Switzerland neglects education and research, it neglects its own foundations and future.
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