UCU statement on the earthquake in Turkey and Syria

More than 40,000 people have been killed with tens of thousands left injured or homeless. Communities have been devastated, with buildings destroyed and public services, including schools and universities, severely affected. UCU stands in solidarity with the people of Turkey and Syria and calls on the international community, including the UK government, to step up and provide the help that is required.

While the current situation is dire, trade unions on the ground are working hard to respond to the emergency.  In Turkey, the Education and Science Workers' Union (Eğitim Sen), together with the national trade union confederation KESK, set up a crisis desk shortly after the earthquakes and launched an aid campaign for members in the affected areas. Eğitim Sen branches have been collecting items such as tents, heating and basic food products, sending them to and distributing them in areas affected by the earthquake. In Syria, the Union of Teachers in Northeast Syria (UTNES) has reported the destruction of numerous schools and union offices.

Our global union--Education International (EI)--has launched an urgent action appeal in support of education unions engaged in relief actions on the ground in Turkey and Syria. In order to support these efforts, UCU has agreed a donation to the EI solidarity fund.

Our thoughts are with our colleagues who have family and friends in the regions hit by the earthquakes. UCU calls on UK higher and further education institutions to actively support their staff and students who are affected by this disaster. In addition to providing emotional and practical support, institutions should consider financial support such as tuition fee waivers and greater access to student hardship funds and bursaries, to assist students who are already part of our communities.

Image supplied by Education International (EI)