Union Fees Are A High Price To Pay For Services Unwanted By Students
Sydney Morning Herald
Friday August 22, 2008
It's no surprise that the introduction of voluntary student unionism has had a negative impact on the provision of amenities and services to university students ("Revolution on campus", August 21). However, why is it that whenever there is an article in the media covering the issue, we hear only one side of the story?
I looked at how much the union fees would cost and, like everyone else, did a cost/benefit analysis and concluded that I would have to attend several major events, spend a lot of time buying subsidised beer, and join the gym and several clubs before the benefits of union membership would outweigh the cost.If, like most uni students, I did use a couple of the subsidised services, I would still be better off paying full price and not joining the student union. I'm sure most of the people who decided not to join went through the same process.Taking the example of the University of Technology, Sydney, I see $6.2 million a year staying in the pockets of students who are able to spend the money on what serves their needs best. The union fees may be only a few hundred dollars a year, but to a full-time student that can be a significant amount.Most students go to uni to study and student unions must adapt to the needs and wants of students, not the other way around.The introduction of voluntary student unionism has allowed students to vote with their feet. This has shown that they don't use the services the union fees pay for or feel that these provide enough value.The Herald should talk to the students who are being asked to pay the fees, rather than to the service providers and presidents of student unions, who are hardly impartial observers. I don't think it is news to anyone that they are desperate to reintroduce what is essentially a tax on all university students, since it appears students have concluded there are better ways they can spend their money.Abhishek Chakraborty Bankstown
© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald