Activists occupy University of Sussex building over privatisation of jobs (From The Argus)

Activists occupy University of Sussex building over privatisation of jobs

11:37am Friday 8th February 2013 in News By Ben James

Up to 40 activists have occupied a university building in protest against the privatisation of campus jobs.

The students stormed the top floor of the University of Sussex’s Bramber House yesterday afternoon (February 7) following a demonstration.

The action is in response to the university’s decision to privatise a number of the non-teaching jobs on campus.
Protestors said that the move was a “last resort” and “non-violent”.

A spokeswoman said: “We stand in opposition to the attempts by university management to unilaterally impose a highly unpopular wave of privatisations which will see provision of services handed over to the highest bidder.

“As well as a colossal transfer of wealth from the public to the private sector, privatisation has time and time again been shown to negatively impact on employees and service users.”

They say that 235 workers will be affected by the move with possible wage cuts and job losses.

From inside the building they issued a series of demands.

Privatisation

Firstly they want the university to end their privatisation scheme as well as set up a student/staff body responsible for holding bosses to account.

They are also calling on senior staff to end what they say is “intimidation” used against students and workers who want to air their views and concerns.

A spokesman for the group said: “We think our requests are entirely reasonable and are committed to occupying the building until they are met.”

John Duffy, the University of Sussex registrar, said: “This is a long-term strategic development by the University to ensure that we can enhance and develop the high-quality services we provide to our students and staff as we grow.”

For the full story see Saturday’s Argus.

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