“Hit for Six” by Inequitable Tertiary Scheme
Mixed Reaction From Students Over Strike
The majority of staff, both academic and general, are striking at the University of Canterbury today.
“A staff strike of this magnitude is difficult for students,” said George Hampton, President of the University of
Canterbury Students’ Association (UCSA). “Regardless of the staff’s intent in holding this strike, students will be
adversely affected. Not only do they lose valuable lecture time, but they also have lost access to resources vital to
their study, such as the Central Library. Any classes and tests that do go ahead will be conducted in unheated
classrooms. Many students have contacted the UCSA expressing their frustration”.
The UCSA is doing all it can to help students through this time. The UCSA building remains open, with the common rooms
providing a warm place to study. Hot tea and coffee is also available free to students outside the Central Library. In
addition to this, the UCSA will endeavour to heat the rooms being used for tests at the university this evening.
“The UCSA supports the sentiment behind the strike,” said Hampton. “Academic staff at New Zealand universities are
underpaid, and this directly impacts upon the quality of education that the universities are able to offer their
students. However, we are disappointed that AUS has recently refused to meet with us over their plans for the industrial
action and that the University has not sufficiently communicated with students. We represent the 12,000 students that
are directly affected by this strike, and although we are trying to keep the student body well informed of the effects
of the industrial action, AUS’s lack of consultation means this is very difficult. We are extremely disappointed by this
turn of events and urge members of AUS to cover all material missed by cancellation of lectures today before the end of
the semester. But if the Government wants to stop events like this it should adequately fund Universities”.
The UCSA is holding an AGM next Wednesday at 1pm that will consider what position students wish to adopt towards any
further strike actions.
ENDS