VOTE OPTION 2: A BETTER WAY FORWARD FOR SHEFFIELD UNION
Alongside the Union elections taking place from Tuesday 4th – Thursday 6th March, a referendum on changing the roles of Union Officers will take place.
Option 2 was proposed by a petition signed by over 1100 students, and makes the following proposals:
Save the Sports Officer and Activities Officer: Option 1 proposes merging the two positions into one, leading to a damaging loss of support and representation for thousands of students involved in sports clubs and societies. Option 2 keeps the Officers separate so ensuring that proper representation and advice continue.
For REAL action on Ethical and Environmental responsibility: Option 2 creates the position of Finance, Ethical & Environmental Officer. This Officer would have a range of new responsibilities, including improving recycling provision in the Union, ensuring the provision of fair-trade and ethical products, overseeing the Union’s ethical policies and reducing the Union’s carbon footprint.
Defend Women’s Representation: Option 1 would abolish the position of Women’s Officer. This would threaten vital services, such as the women’s safety bus, safety alarms, and Biteback – the eating disorders self-help group. It would also undermine campaigns for equality, such as for equal pay and improving women’s representation, and would lead to a loss of support and advice for women students.
Strengthen support for student accommodation: Option 2 creates the position of Welfare & Accommodation Officer, with new far-reaching responsibilities for supporting students on accommodation issues. The Officer would have responsibility for university residences, including catering provision, rent levels, recreational facilities and much more. They would also oversee support for students living in private accommodation.
Vote for OPTION 2: A Better Way Forward for Sheffield Union.
