NUJ expresses solidarity with the UCU in its opposition to cuts at Goldsmiths
Courses including its pioneering journalism course is under threat from redundancies.
The National Union of Journalists has expressed solidarity with staff and students at Goldsmiths, University of London, where management are proposing 50 redundancies, including 20 academic posts in English and creative writing and history; 32 professional services posts are also to be axed.
Goldsmiths has a long record in the study of journalism. Among the courses under threat is its pioneering BA History and Journalism degree programme, launched only four years ago.
At a UCU branch meeting last week 99 per cent of those present voted to ballot for industrial action in opposition to the cuts, which UCU, Unison and Goldsmith’s Students Union say will lead to the axing of degree courses, lead to administrative chaos and worsen the experience of students at the university.
Under a restructuring plan, opposed by the majority of department heads, the senior management team is also seeking £6m job cuts over two years. Expressing support for the stand taken by sister unions UCU and Unison Michelle Stanistreet, general secretary, NUJ said:
“We view with deep concern the move by Goldsmiths, University of London, to halve staffing in its history department. At a time when it has never been more important for journalists to have an understanding of history to understand some of the major issues of the day - such as Brexit and populism – the BA in History and Journalism equips aspiring young journalists with key skills to interpret the modern world.
“With the government attempting to undermine the teaching of humanities subjects in higher education, Goldsmiths should instead be defending history and providing enhanced resources for journalism education, not engaging in academic vandalism.
“The BA History and Journalism has shown how humanities subjects can make an impact on society and reflects the type of innovation needed in journalism education.
"The NUJ supports UCU’s call for the cancelling of the restructuring plan and urged Goldsmiths to work with its staff unions to build on the university’s strong potential for growth.”