The current Dutch government has cut the higher education budget by 800 million euros, plus 400 million of incidental cuts. In 2024, 25,000 staff and students protested against this at the Malieveld in The Hague. Despite widespread opposition, Minister Eppo Bruins and the Schoof cabinet continue to ignore these concerns. We are intensifying our resistance by participating in the Relay Strike (Estafettestaking). These cuts will have strong impacts like:

• Increased workload and fewer resources – With less funding, it will be harder to maintain the quality of education, placing greater pressure on lecturers and staff.
• Fewer research opportunities – Grants for young researchers will become scarcer, limiting innovation and career prospects.
• Reduced support for teaching – Budgets for tutors will shrink,
  increasing lecturers’ workload and reducing work opportunities for students.
• Declining education quality – Course options may be cut, contact time with lecturers will decrease, and overall academic support will suffer.
• Job insecurity for staff – academic and support roles essential to university operations will be increasingly at risk.

These cuts will affect everyone in Maastricht—not just university staff and students, but also the wider region.

This is why it is crucial to speak out. Talk to colleagues, fellow students, neighbours, and friends about the proposed budget cuts. Share why this issue matters to you and emphasise that there is strength in numbers—the more people take action, the greater the impact.

What is the programme for the strike day?

We have a core programme of activities planned. The main activities below will be organised by the WOinActie, MOSA (student union), and the unions (FNV, AOb).

•  9:00 –  12:30 Picketing at different faculties (staff)
• 13:00 – 14:00 Strike rally on Vrijthof with speeches
• 14:00 – 14:45 March through the city centre (with music)
• 14:30 – 16:00 Stakingsmarkt/Science Fair on the Vrijthof incl. mini-lectures

What is important to know as a student?

• There is no attendance requirement for UM students on 16 April (except for patient care and compulsory practicals that cannot be made up/rescheduled);
• However, it is important to ask your lecturer what is expected of you regarding the missed classes
• Scheduled tests and exams will go ahead

What can I do?

• Tell your teachers, friends, colleagues about the strike (!)
• Come to one of the banner-making workshops ahead of time: 

             - FPN: April 14th, 14:00-16:00, Room 

             - FSE: April 14th, 10:30, Room 

             - FASoS: April 14th, 13:00, Room

• Repost any Instagram posts on our Instagram @mosa.studentunion
• Sign the strike solidarity letter
• Use any of our Strike Materials in our Google drive folder

Your voice matters, see you at the protest!

In solidarity 🟥