Student staff rally for campaign

Part-time student staff of Imperial College Union met in dB’s on Wednesday, to hear Union executives outline their plans for the future of the organisation in the light of the loss of the bookstore.

Union Manager Mandy Hurford and Events and Marketing Manager Mark Horne addressed a large audience consisting students employed by Union trading outlets, including the bookstore, newsagent, print unit, bars and catering as well as Union stewards and DJs.

Ms Hurford only briefly reiterated the potential problems presented by the loss of the tender, concentrating instead upon the benefits of a positive approach. If the Union’s remaining trading outlets are to prosper, Ms Hurford explained, the students that they employ must maintain a high level of service and customer care. The Union Manager pointed to the increasing success of the trading outlets, claiming that much of their efficiency arose from their low staffing costs as compared to other UK students’ unions. Ms Hurford left her audience in no doubt as to the purpose of trading outlets, asserting that "We’re out to make a profit. We’re not ashamed of that... but we’re open about those profits going to clubs, societies and other Union services."

Student staff, Ms Hurford believes, should be in the front line in promoting the Union. The loss of further trading outlets would almost certainly result in the loss of part-time jobs for Imperial College students. Attempting to rally the troops, the Union Manager stated: "One of the things we don’t do very well is sell ourselves... We’ve got to say loudly and extremely proudly; This is what we are, this is what we do - The IC Union."

Imperial College Union’s usually flamboyant Events and Marketing Manager, Mark Horne, began his address a little more downbeat. "The Union has been as guilty as the College in retreating into its ivory tower and not communicating." He admitted, after a quick poll showed that only a tiny fraction of those present had known about the bookstore tender before the decision was announced. Mr Horne continued: "We let you down by not telling you... We don’t want to be telling lies or spreading rumours, but from now on we’re going to keep everyone informed."

When several student staff proposed that Felix be exploited to promote the Union’s cause, the executive were quick to point out that although the Union funds the student newspaper, it has no editorial control. The Union can only campaign directly in Felix through the placing of advertisements.

Mr Horne went on to suggest that other areas of Union activity may be under threat, reporting that the Union was currently in disagreement with the College over issues such as the use of space in Beit Quad, catering in the JCR and the funding of the Commemoration ball. "We’ve a few more fights on our hands yet." Mr Horne warned, but remained optimistic about the Union’s continued expansion and success; "There’s been a fantastic turnaround, especially in the last two or three years."

Regarding the Union’s ongoing awareness campaign, The Events and Marketing Manager claimed to have plans "...far beyond posters."

Mr Horne explained "I’m not saying we burn down the Rector’s offices" but briefly outlined some audacious schemes to raise the profile of the Union and its activities. Ms Hurford, meanwhile, drew attention to the success of more conservative means of protest such as letters to College governors. The Union Manager conceded that "IC’s student population is hardly known for outrageous acts of militancy."

The meeting was attended by around eighty students and staff, although some sceptics later suggested that the high level of attendance may have been because it counted towards student workers’ overtime. Nevertheless, all those present pledged to support to any campaign adopted by the Union executive.