The protesters occupying several University of Manchester (UoM) buildings have left two facilities, but taken over another one, as they set out their demands to bosses.
Last night, members of the UoM Rent Strike group ‘gained unauthorised access to the Simon Building’, a spokesperson for the university said. They also confirmed that the protesters had left the Engineering Building and Samuel Alexander humanities centre.
Now, speaking to the Manchester Evening News, protesters have set out their demands to uni bosses, and explained why they took the decision to change buildings. The protester also warned that the group ‘will have no choice but to seriously escalate’ action if the institution refuses to negotiate.
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“What we really want is some serious engagement from them and a process to come to some sort of conclusion,” the protester, who did not give their name, said. “We 100 percent have to have [a guarantee of] no punishment for occupiers and rent strikers. We need to see serious proposals on money being given back to students for the cost-of-living crisis — and proposals to make the accommodation more affordable in the long-term.
“We are aware that the uni might not negotiate. If they do not put anything out there, then we will have no choice but to seriously escalate what we are doing. I cannot say what that would look like, but all options are on the table.”
The protester also said the move to the Simon building was motivated by the fact that it ‘has space for the engagement of students.’ The protester added: “Simon also has a lot of administrative areas, it’s an important building for the uni and it’s incredibly visible.
“We want to continue this. I imagine Simon might not be the last one. We will continue with the occupation until we get something from the uni.”
The group also claims they’ve been given an ‘ultimatum’ to leave the buildings, or face disciplinary action from the university. A statement, published on Twitter, said: “The University of Manchester has issued an ultimatum for occupiers in the John Owens building, threatening that students will see formal disciplinary action over ‘serious misconduct’ if they don’t leave the building by 4pm today [February 14].”
A spokesperson for the university said it is ‘continuing to monitor the situation’. A statement added: “Students remain in the John Owens Building and have left the Samuel Alexander and Engineering building.
“We are aware of a small number of individuals gaining unauthorised access to the Simon Building overnight. Our primary concern is the health and safety of those people who are currently occupying the buildings.
“We are aware of some doors and entrances being barricaded and locked and are emphasising our concerns for their safety in the event of an emergency incident.
“The normal working of the University is continuing. We continue to monitor the situation carefully.
“Following repeated warnings about their personal safety, unauthorised behaviour and disruption by a small number of students in the John Owens Building, we have sent a further letter requiring them to vacate the building by 4:00 pm today, and have explained the consequences of not doing so. Their ongoing presence, and refusal to remove blockades to enable access to the building, continues to risk their safety and disrupt the work of our colleagues who provide essential services to our university community.”
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