CARDIFF’S STUDENT WEEKLY
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“PROFESSIONALISM IS... AND THAT’S WHAT I WANT” Why bad bosses spell gloom for casual-job students
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JOBS AND MONEY P16
Union launches plans for anti-fees demo
By Will Talmage and Matt Wilkin Reporters PLANS HAVE been unveiled for the largest student demonstration in Cardiff’s history when an anti top-up fees protest will sweep through the city on December 2. The march – a joint campaign between Cardiff Students’ Union and the National Union of Students (NUS) – is an attempt to stop top-up fees being introduced in Wales. The Union’s Campaign and PR Officer, Tom Gough, has branded the day "Duck Off" which will culminate in a special evening in Solus at the end of the march – a form of acknowledging students’ participation in the event. Gough told gair rhydd he is hopeful of a large turnout on the day He said: "Cardiff University’s involvement in the protest is paramount in displaying the strength of support against the introduction of top-up fees in Wales. "It is our aim to bring Cardiff students together in what we hope will be a positive and fun day." He added that students will not be disadvantaged if
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PHOTO: Luke Pavey
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ISSUE 774. November 8 2004
they miss lectures to go on the march. The National Assembly for Wales has already commented that the proposed top-up fees are "in principle, wrong". The NUS hopes that following the demonstration, the Assembly will completely reject the plans to introduce variable tuition fees. NUS President Kat Fletcher responded to the Assembly’s comments by saying: “This is testament to the hard work of the NUS and NUS Wales, in particular. “I have received extremely positive feedback from students across the UK who are looking forward to the march in Cardiff and I am sure it will be a fantastic success.” As in previous years students from all over Britain will be attending the event. Beccy Lawrence, President of Coventry University Students’ Union, is supporting the demo by bringing two coach loads to Cardiff. She told gair rhydd: “Even though many [students] have resigned themselves to the prospect of top-up fees in England, we continue to be flat aginst top-ups.”
GOLDEN SHOWER: Gary Rees and Tom Gough show off the ducks