Why do you want to run for the board of the University of Oslo?
The exploitation and discrimination temporary staff face at UiO today is unacceptable. Our working conditions are cast by the university board, yet permanent staff, who we outnumber, enjoy double our representation. We must take a powerful stance against this devaluation and together?reverse current power imbalances. I will bring the clear, unwavering voice for justice we need on UiO’s highest democratic body.?
I have seen firsthand the importance of broad temporary staff mobilization in securing?an ethical, engaged UiO?for ourselves and for the world around us. Summer 2024, I identified UiO procurement practices?in violation of human rights obligations. I forged alliances across the university and succeeded in righting UiO’s course as a leader in ethical practice. The time has come to ensure similar victories when it comes to our own working conditions.
Today, I write as a visiting scholar at Harvard University. Colleagues are weathering?unprecedented attacks?on their jobs, research funding, and freedom of speech. Decisions affecting many are made by a select few, and our peers are particularly at risk. My commitment to fight for?fairer conditions for temporary staff?has only deepened.
As board representative, I will be?available to any temporary staff?facing workplace issues or fighting for fairer conditions. You can call me (+47 46909974), email me (emmajle@uio.no), DM me (@emmalengle) or grab a coffee with me on campus. I will?actively partner with you to raise cases to the board, and I will organize open office hours bi-weekly – starting during election week?May 12th, 14th?and 16th?at 3 PM at?this zoom link.
What are your most important issues, briefly?
UiO could not fulfill its societal function without temporary staff, and our current conditions do not reflect our value. UiO must ensure?career growth?and opportunities for temporary staff both in- and outside of academia, and our contributions must be acknowledged.?Underrepresented groups, including working class and ethnic minority scholars, must actively be recruited and retained in academia. We must collectively gain?greater influence?over our university and our own work.
Election platform
I will fight for:
- Fair working conditions
- International solidarity
- Equitable university democracy
I will carry