More Workers Party/Vic Uni drama: "University considers expelling egg-hurlers"

[RHIZOMES]

Most of you probably remember the flagburning controversy a few months ago. Well now, we're in trouble for throwing eggs at the Victoria University Council and then as our Revleft comrade Comrade Alastair puts it:

"...declared a Revolutionary Student's Council and for 30 glorious minutes held power, passing a wide range of progressive motions such as bringing in free education, a universal student's allowance, 300% wage rises and secure hours for security guards, support for the Unite union referendum for a $15 minimum wage and more. The Labour Party was dissolved on the grounds of being the "left cheek of the capitalist arse"." :P

University considers expelling egg-hurlers http://static.stuff.co.nz/images/icon_gallery.gif

By PAUL EASTON - The Dominion Post

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/local/2892437/University-considers-expelling-egg-hurlers


http://static.stuff.co.nz/1253564525/815/2888815.jpg

Students who hurled eggs and fruit during a meeting over Victoria University fees could be expelled.
About 30 protesters packed the public gallery of the university's council chambers on Monday, shouting slogans against a 5 per cent rise in fees.
Some hurled eggs and fruit at members of the university council after the meeting was closed to the public because of the din.
Victoria University Students' Association president Jasmine Freemantle was hit on the back of the head by an orange during the protest.
"I didn't see it coming. It hurt, it was quite a substantial orange."
University Vice-Chancellor Pat Walsh condemned the protesters' actions.
"The behaviour of those who hurled objects at members of the university council, including the student president who was representing the interests of students, was contemptible," he said. "I view this issue very seriously and we are exploring all options to ensure there are significant consequences for those students and members of the public who threw objects."
An investigation was under way, he said. Protests were allowed by the university, but had to avoid making anyone fear for their safety.
If found in breach of the student code of conduct, the egg-throwers could be suspended or disenrolled for up to two years.
The fee rise came as government funding per student continued to fall in real terms, Professor Walsh said.
It would mean an extra $192 a year for a humanities undergraduate student.
Ms Freemantle said the protesters' anger at the fee increase was understandable.
"There has been, for a number of years, a 5 per cent increase, which is the biggest increase allowable."

[Rusty Shackleford]

it was quite a substantial orange:laugh:

best of luck. i remember that incident quite well(from a revleft perspective).


shame on NZ government for cutting funding

[Saorsa]

Because those guys are not cops. They're workers doing a shitty minimum wage job and they need to be unionised, not victimised. I think however that a discussion of whether or not security guards are workers to be won over (wherever possible) should be held in a different thread. I hope the uni doesn't expel me again :(

[RHIZOMES]

Because those guys are not cops. They're workers doing a shitty minimum wage job and they need to be unionised, not victimised. I think however that a discussion of whether or not security guards are workers to be won over (wherever possible) should be held in a different thread. I hope the uni doesn't expel me again :(

Yeah, also a lot of security guards in NZ seem to me a lot more proletarian than ones in the US.

[RHIZOMES]

:lol: Ok.

It's just an observation I've made, as I've been to both countries. In the US a lot of people become security guards for the same reason people become cops. In NZ a lot of people become security guards for the same reason people become say... train conductors or factory workers. They come from a different class background and mindset in general. You'll find a lot of security guards in NZ being migrant workers from the Pacific Islands, for example.

[Rusty Shackleford]

Yeah, also a lot of security guards in NZ seem to me a lot more proletarian than ones in the US.

There are a few private security companies in my area that are very anti union and are pretty much an extension of the state because they patrol in marked vehicles and are armed. though they themselves cannot make arrests. they are allowed to use firearms like police officers.

and about your fee increases. is there any way to fight them through government?


my college had a recent fee increase and class cuts. teachers are strained and some people cannot afford to go to college. i myself got a hefty bit of federal aid (which saved me) and from what i know i have no obligation to pay it back.

[RHIZOMES]

and about your fee increases. is there any way to fight them through government?

The student union for Vic Uni are complete Labourite scabs. I think actions like this, which seems to be getting quite a bit of media coverage, is the best way at the moment.


my college had a recent fee increase and class cuts. teachers are strained and some people cannot afford to go to college. i myself got a hefty bit of federal aid (which saved me) and from what i know i have no obligation to pay it back.

In NZ if you're a student it's pretty much an obligation for our government to give you a loan for your fees. But you have to pay it back after you've finished your degree.

[RHIZOMES]

There are a few private security companies in my area that are very anti union and are pretty much an extension of the state because they patrol in marked vehicles and are armed. though they themselves cannot make arrests. they are allowed to use firearms like police officers.


I think these security guards are directly employed by Vic Uni though. I'm not entirely sure, it's probably better for Alastair to explain.

[Rusty Shackleford]

I think actions like this, which seems to be getting quite a bit of media coverage, is the best way at the moment.

True, it would be hard to have a case with no public support/knowledge if you just brought it to government immediately.


In NZ if you're a student it's pretty much an obligation for our government to give you a loan for your fees. But you have to pay it back after you've finished your degree.

There are many ways to get loans in the US but the government just recommends filling out a form called the FAFSA (Federal Aid for Student Academics i think) and with that they decide if you need a grant or not(based on income and academic performance). from what i know, what the government give you, you dont have to pay back because it only issues grants. but if you take out a loan from private banks or industries you have to pay them back with interest.

There might be government loans but i am not sure.