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NUS LOSSES UNACCEPTABLE

By James Cree ⋅ February 4, 2008 ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

Figures showing that the National Union of Students has lost £1.1m for the year 2006/2007 come as little surprise to those who have been involved with the organisation. For years financial mismanagement has crippled our union which was only saved from bankruptcy two years ago because it sold off its national offices. The big question is why has this happened? I would argue it’s because our union for too long has been dominated by political infighting and back stabbing and less on sound management capable of getting the best deal for students. This is what the governance reforms that are being proposed will achieve and are essential if the NUS is to survive. Credit must be given to Gemma Tumelty, the NUS President for having the guts to attempt these changes in the face of opposition. Those on the hard left of the union vehemently oppose any of the proposals for reform as they see them as undemocratic. This is nonsense! These people need to get with the real world and realise that the days of militant student activism to achieve aims are gone. The way for the NUS to represent students is proper management, and a seat at the negotiating table, not standing outside waving a placard.