AUC Students Strike against University in Opposition to Tuition Increase
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65MKeXzs8HA&feature=share
It has been a somewhat disappointing, yet interesting start to the school year. Students and workers are protesting together against the university's sharp tuition hike and the extraordinarily low pay that workers receive. Normally I would side with the protesters, however, I feel that the true root of this is that everyone in this country has been bitten by the protest bug.
One thing you should note about the students of my university is this... Most of these kids are rich. They're millionaires. They are the sons and daughters of the richest businessmen in Egypt, as well as prominent politicians. Their tuition comes from their parents. They don't have jobs, they don't need loans. They drive flashy vehicles, carry Fendi and Prada purses and play on their Blackberry's all day. Most don't take their education seriously whatsoever, thus I find it difficult to feel pity for them. The strike took place in front of the largest building on campus, hence, blocking my way to class. I noticed that they ha a lot of signage stating their demands. When I say signage...I mean expensive color posters printed...hundreds of them. Also there are gigantic colored banners hanging from the rooftops of the large campus buildings. Interesting that they paid all of this money for signage and transportation to the university only to strike AGAINST the university.
(Sidenote: Their strike has also only been conducted in Arabic. This doesn't really allow the international students to get involved.)
Last September there were similar strikes against the pay cut that the university attempted to hand the security guards and janitorial staff. The cut was sliced down to a mere 600 Egyptian Pounds per month, which is equivalent to 100 dollars. Yes, one hundred dollars was supposed to feed the families of these workers. The university then raised the pay to 1,100 Egyptian Pounds per month, which is nearer to two hundred dollars. Doesn't sound like much? Apparently the average doctor and lawyer make 500 Egyptian Pounds per month. Hence, this strike was both very needed and successful.
Much like that strike, however, there were negative consequences on the campus. The non-International students at the university find it impossible to empty their garbage into a trashcan once they have completed their meals...hence the cafeteria is covered with wrappers, half-eaten burgers and other debris from McDonald's. It looked like an advertisement for a McDonald's-specific landfill....horrible. The restrooms have not fared much better, since the janitorial staff is on strike.
Reports of student violence against security guards and vandalism have surfaced and the campus has greatly been disrupted although our classes are continuing. Only time will tell how long this strike (which has become an annual occurrence) will end.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65MKeXzs8HA&feature=share
It has been a somewhat disappointing, yet interesting start to the school year. Students and workers are protesting together against the university's sharp tuition hike and the extraordinarily low pay that workers receive. Normally I would side with the protesters, however, I feel that the true root of this is that everyone in this country has been bitten by the protest bug.
One thing you should note about the students of my university is this... Most of these kids are rich. They're millionaires. They are the sons and daughters of the richest businessmen in Egypt, as well as prominent politicians. Their tuition comes from their parents. They don't have jobs, they don't need loans. They drive flashy vehicles, carry Fendi and Prada purses and play on their Blackberry's all day. Most don't take their education seriously whatsoever, thus I find it difficult to feel pity for them. The strike took place in front of the largest building on campus, hence, blocking my way to class. I noticed that they ha a lot of signage stating their demands. When I say signage...I mean expensive color posters printed...hundreds of them. Also there are gigantic colored banners hanging from the rooftops of the large campus buildings. Interesting that they paid all of this money for signage and transportation to the university only to strike AGAINST the university.
(Sidenote: Their strike has also only been conducted in Arabic. This doesn't really allow the international students to get involved.)
Last September there were similar strikes against the pay cut that the university attempted to hand the security guards and janitorial staff. The cut was sliced down to a mere 600 Egyptian Pounds per month, which is equivalent to 100 dollars. Yes, one hundred dollars was supposed to feed the families of these workers. The university then raised the pay to 1,100 Egyptian Pounds per month, which is nearer to two hundred dollars. Doesn't sound like much? Apparently the average doctor and lawyer make 500 Egyptian Pounds per month. Hence, this strike was both very needed and successful.
Much like that strike, however, there were negative consequences on the campus. The non-International students at the university find it impossible to empty their garbage into a trashcan once they have completed their meals...hence the cafeteria is covered with wrappers, half-eaten burgers and other debris from McDonald's. It looked like an advertisement for a McDonald's-specific landfill....horrible. The restrooms have not fared much better, since the janitorial staff is on strike.
Reports of student violence against security guards and vandalism have surfaced and the campus has greatly been disrupted although our classes are continuing. Only time will tell how long this strike (which has become an annual occurrence) will end.
No comments:
Post a Comment