Wage debate sparks divide between Education candidates

Prior to the release of the candidates manifestos, the campaign to be elected UCCSU Education Officer took an unexpected twist after one candidate vowed to take a 50% pay cut if elected.Ian Hutchinson, a final year Arts student, announced on his campaign’s Facebook page that due to his own personal circumstances he was in a position whereby he could accept a reduced payment for the role, with the money saved being donated to the Student Hardship Fund. When asked about the move he stated, “I decided to take the pay-cut (if elected) after much consideration. The reason I did it was because I believe it could help a huge amount of people... in particular it could have a great benefit on someone’s education if they’re struggling financially.”Whilst the move was lauded as well intentioned by Hutchinson’s opposition for the role, Shane O’Sullivan and current Education Officer Joe Kennedy, the latter questioned if such a move would cause weaken the SU’s position. “I think it’s a really slippery slope if the Students’ Union, and in effect the students, start to pay for things the university should be funding.” Kennedy also argued that if wage cuts became a pattern within election campaigns a situation could arise where good candidates could be forced out of running for a position on the SU as they may not be able to live on a reduced wage.O’Sullivan echoed Kennedy’s stance on a potential wage cut, as he argued that “if one officer takes a pay cut the spotlight would then be put on the other five officers to do the same, which could take away from their main duties.” Whilst also welcoming Hutchinson’s decision, O’Sullivan added that he felt the issue of sabbatical officer wages had never been a big one for UCC students, before identifying himself as someone who would not be able to run for the position if wage cuts were expected of whoever is elected.Among the three candidates a shared goal is the desire to have a 24 hour study space on campus, preferably in the library. However, whilst such a move was viewed as obtainable each of the potential officers felt it may not happen by the end of their term.Kennedy, who played a central role in extending library hours this year, argued that the issue is not as simple as it may appear. “It is feasible... but it’s certainly not something that is going to happen overnight, there are a lot of difficult negotiations to have to be done” before such a step can be taken.Hutchinson credited the work already done on the matter by this year’s SU, but argued that a much larger lobbying effort would be needed for such a goal to be achieved. Whilst arguing that a 24 hour library was a long-term goal, he argued that in the short term “24 hour study spaces, like what is done in Trinity” could be a solution.One alternative to a 24 hour library proposed by O’Sullivan would be to have the Boole Basement open at night, with the Arts student willing to supervise the area himself if necessary. He believes that such a measure could potentially benefit more students than 24 hour access to the fishbowl, as “I do know students, particularly this year, who could not afford laptops. Opening the Boole Basement could solve that problem and also solve the problem of a 24 hour space.”