Other student cities have had local unions for many years that are part of the federation of the National Student Union (LSVb). Think of the Amsterdam ASVA or the Groninger Studentenbond.
To date, Enschede does not have such a union. A group of UT students wants to change that. There is currently a WhatsApp group with fourteen students, two of whom are in direct contact with the LSVb, which has an advisory and supporting role.
Momentum
The ball started rolling after the realization that Enschede does not have its own student union, says Jelle Bikker, one of the initiators. 'That coincides with the current momentum of the student movement, nationally but also in Enschede. This movement is very strong at the moment and has already got the long-term studying fine off the table through campaigning.'
But there are more problems than the long-term studying fine, according to Bikker. 'Actually too much to mention, from too high a workload to sky-high study costs, which means that students in The Netherlands already have to work more than anywhere else in Europe.'
'Better Enschede for every student'
A union should help students come together, in order to get students' ideas and concerns on the agenda. The idea is that such a local union forms a collective voice to, for example, improve the quality of education, housing and student wellbeing at the university. Or, in a broader sense: 'A better Enschede for every student'.
At the moment, the initiative is still in its infancy. The 'Enschede Student Movement' is still an action group, meant to mobilize students. The long-term goal is to set up a student union.
One of the first steps towards this is a meeting, next Tuesday evening at 19:00 on campus. Specifically: in Hall B, room 2F. The LSVb will also explain student union movements, how they work and what people can do for them.
