#SaveBirkbeck Solidarity Fund

Birkbeck, University of London – one of the UK’s most distinctive institutions of higher learning, which puts research excellence at the heart of accessible lifelong education and social mobility – is under grave threat. On the eve of its 200th anniversary, Birkbeck’s senior management announced a major institutional restructure, including proposed compulsory redundancies of 140 workers by July 2023. These drastic cuts, which are affecting 84 academic and 56 administrative staff across the College, are especially targeting the Department of Geography; the Department of Politics; the Department of Philosophy; and the Department of English, Theatre, and Creative Writing (ETCW).

Since this devastating news was announced in early autumn, Birkbeck staff and students – with the widespread support of fellow university workers, 22 MPs, and the general public – have come together in opposition to these redundancies, and in opposition to the financial logic underpinning this shortsighted decision. The senior management’s lack of accountability towards its own employees, coupled by its mismanagement of College finances, have led staff to call for a Vote of No Confidence, while the university’s trade unions are now in formal industrial dispute.

As we continue to fight against the destruction of our College and against all job cuts, we need funds for expert legal advice and for our hardship strike fund. Many of us working at Birkbeck cannot afford to take extended strike action: with a robust strike fund we can be empowered to take extended and diverse forms of industrial action, whether that involves striking, working to contract, or a marking and assessment boycott.

We are calling on all #SaveBirkbeck supporters to help us raise as much as possible to aid this fightback. Your donations are vital for securing the future of our unique university and lifelong learning in the UK.

A fundraising event will take place on Saturday 21st January with poetry, live music, DJs and much more. Find out more and book tickets.