Comments by a university employee regarding the “underhanded” tactics of the Students’ Union is just one example of the mutual mistrust that exists between students’ and workers’ organisations in Trinity.

The comments were made in reference to a library sit-in that took place in Michaelmas Term last year, during which it is also claimed staff felt “intimidated”. This newspaper does not wish to condone nor condemn the protest by the Students’ Union. Yet, it is these very actions which prevent university employees, particularly those belonging to workers’ unions, from co-operating in the student interest.

It should be remembered that both students and staff are facing a common challenge. The fiscal situation should promote unity, not division, between the two groups in this university.