Protesters at the New East Slope construction site have accused Balfour Beatty of intimidation and bullying tactics as their occupation enters their third day.
Photos shared on the Sussex Supports the Strike Facebook page allegedly show dog handlers around the occupied building, with the group claiming that “a threat was made by the handler to let the dog loose on site”.
In addition, occupiers have also claimed that the generator supplying them with heating and power has been shut off, despite snow and low temperatures, and have had access to toilets cut off.
A fundraiser for the students in occupation for “essential supplies” has already attracted almost £500 in donations. Volunteers have encouraged people to donate what they can to allow them to provide food, blankets and other essentials to the protesters.
Balfour Beatty have yet to make a public statement about the ongoing occupation.
Students have been in occupation at the construction site since early on Thursday morning in the run-up to a national demonstration on campus in support of the ongoing UCU industrial action. The protesters demand that Vice-Chancellor Adam Tickell use his position as lead negotiator for Universities UK to meet the demands of striking staff, that the University cut the rent for the new residence, due to partly open in September, to the same level as the current East Slope accommodation, and that Balfour Beatty allow trade union Unite unhindered access onto the construction site to allow workers to unionise.
More to follow.
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