REFERENDUM - NOVEMBER 2007
Key Dates
Proposed Motions
Motions Going To Referendum
Results
Listen to the Podcasts
Documents
Key Dates
Stage 1: Formal Notice of Referendum - Thursday 18th October 2007
Stage 2: Deadline for Motions - 5.00pm, Thursday 25th October 2007
Stage 3: The Amendments Process - 12.00noon, Thursday 1st November 2007
Stage 4: Union Council Open Meeting - 6.00pm, Monday 5th November 2007
Stage 5: Petition Deadline - Deadline for requesting a petition: 2.00pm, Tuesday 6th November 2007
Deadline for petitions to be signed: 2.00pm, Tuesday 13th November 2007
Stage 6: Referendum Agenda Published
Stage 7: The Big Debate Meeting - 2.00pm, Thursday 15th November 2007
Stage 8: Referendum Polling - Tuesday 20th to Thursday 22nd November 2007
Stage 9: Count and Result - 2.00pm, Friday 23rd November 2007
Proposed Motions
Should the Union shop increase the range of 99p sandwiches which is currently in decline?
Basket: Welfare
Proposer: David Boyer
Seconder: Gareth Roberts
- LUU has over 30,000 members of varying economic means.
- According to the UNIQoLL survey (2004) ‘Approximately 75% of students sampled across all years identified financial concerns as a current issue.
- The range of 99p sandwiches available appears to be in constant decline with only one providing any meat (ham) and this is rarely in stock.
- LUU should try to ensure that all its members can afford a filling and nutritious lunch.
- LUU risks alienating a section of its membership purchase 99p sandwiches and choose to eat meat.
- The next most expensive sandwiches cost £1.29 (a 30% increase) and also have a restricted range. In order to have a wider choice (including many meat sandwiches) members must pay £1.49, this is a 50% premium and if sandwiches are bought each weekday of the academic year (22 weeks for a conservative estimate) then this equates to £50 per year.
- This Union resolves to diversify the range of sandwiches available for 99p to better serve all its members.
- This Union resolves to research new and interesting sandwich fillings to be made available for 99p to increase member’s wellbeing and health.
- This Union resolves to use more mayonnaise in its sandwiches!
Increasing Representation at Leeds University Union
Basket: Activities, Strong and Active Union
Proposer: Jak Codd
Seconder: Adam Marks
- Leeds University Union is comprised of around 33,000 members of diverse backgrounds and differing political persuasions.
- The referenda with highest turnout was in November 2006.
- The average number of students voting in the November was 2069 students, around 6.2% of the student body.
- The Big Debate Meeting held prior to the referendum process has an extremely low turnout.
- A number of LUU referenda motions do not affect the LUU membership directly.
- Leeds University Union's primary role should be to represent and defend the rights of their membership.
- Referenda has not been successful in increasing democratic representation and participation among LUU’s membership.
- The politicisation of LUU has meant that a large number of students feel alienated from their Union.
- A turnout of 6.2% is too low to be considered a successful barometer of the general opinion of Union membership.
- Participation in the referenda process is low because of the lack of motions relating directly to the members of Leeds University Union.
- The overwhelming majority of Leeds University Union members do not attend the Big Debate Meeting prior to referenda, meaning it is hard for them to be exposed to both for and against arguments in relation to referenda motions.
- LUU should ensure that increasing participation in the Union is one of its primary concerns.
- To restructure the referenda process to ensure that only issues deemed to directly affect the general membership of Leeds University Union be put to a referendum.
- Specific political positions which do not directly affect the Leeds University Union membership should be discussed and voted on in an Annual General Meeting, to ensure that as many students as possible can be involved in the debate. These include, but are not limited to: motions on international issues, and opinion and stances on Government policy not directly related to students.
- Union Council, the elected representatives of the general membership, should determine whether a motion affects the Leeds University Union membership directly or not, and therefore deciding whether a motion is voted on at the AGM or is to be put to referenda.
- To mandate the Steering Committee to rewrite the by-laws in accordance to this motion and to present them to Union Council for ratification.
Appendix
Please note: Information submitted in the appendix is not included in the 400 word limit of the motion.
- To modify article 17 of the Articles of Governance to read:
'The Union shall hold a General Meeting twice in each calendar year. Not more than 8 months shall pass between the date of one general meeting and the next' - Add in 'Contents of Notice' article 20.7:
'Debate and vote on motions submitted by Union Council to the general meeting'
Should Jack Straw's name and membership to Leeds University Union be reinstated?
Basket: Activities, Strong and Active Union
Proposer: Robert Damiao
Seconder: Léonie Mathers
- That Jack Straw was president of Leeds University Union in 1967/1968.
- That this information was recorded on the Presidents' Board, currently placed in the Old Bar and that he had life membership of this Union.
- That a Union Council motion removed his life membership and led to the removal of his name from the Presidents' Board due to personal disagreement with his political decisions.
- That, whatever views individual members may hold regarding former officers of the Union, we should not hide, or attempt to erase, their place in the organisation's history.
- To reinstate Jack Straw's life membership.
- To return the name of Jack Straw to the Presidents' Board.
Nestlé Boycott
Basket: Wider Society and Citizenship
Proposer: Rosie Trobe
Seconder: Neil Mackenzie
- There has been a Nestlé boycott in place in LUU for more than 12 years.
- This Nestlé Boycott Policy will lapse if not renewed at this referendum.
- According to UNICEF, more than 4,000 babies die everyday because they are not breastfed.
- Nestlé promotes artificial infant feeding around the world, breaking the World Health Organization code of marketing.
- Nestlé, while frequently denying that it has done anything wrong, has lost a number of court battles against Baby Milk Action.
- As a representative organisation, LUU members should have the choice over whether Nestlé products are sold in our shops.
- The promotion of artificial feeding, particularly in developing countries where their may not be access to safe drinking water, is unacceptable and causes the deaths of many children.
- By boycotting Nestlé products we are sending a message to Nestlé that LUU strongly disagree with their practices.
- To continue the boycott of all Nestlé products in all LUU retail outlets.
- To place advertisement in these outlets explaining why there is a boycott of Nestlé products.
- To write a letter to Nestlé detailing why we are maintaining a boycott of their products, and stating that the boycott will remain in place until they cease these practices and abide by the International Code of Marketing Breastmilk Substitutes.
Paper Bags, Not Plastic
Basket: Wider Society and Citzenship
Proposer: Rosie Trobe
Seconder: Lizzie Fellows
- 1,000,000 plastic bags are used worldwide every minute.
- It takes up to 1,000 years for plastic to break down in the natural environment.
- Plastic bag litter kills at least 100,000 birds, whales, seals and turtles every year.
- Leeds University Union sells up to 100,000 plastic bags each year.
- Leeds University Union has a Corporate Social Responsibility strategy that seeks to proactively reduce environmental impact and to minimise waste.
- We have a social responsibility to reduce our environmental impact for the benefit of all members and wider society.
- Recycled paper bags are a more sustainable alternative to plastic bags.
- As one of the leading Student Unions in the country, we have the ability to take a lead on initiatives that tackle environmental problems.
- We should aim to reduce the overall number of plastic bags used every year.
- To end the sale of plastic bags in all Leeds University Union retail outlets.
- To provide a recycled, sustainably sourced paper bag alternative at cost price, on which reuse and recycling of the bags is encouraged.
- To communicate to members the reasons behind the switch to paper bags and to display information about the negative impacts of plastic bags on the environment.
- To promote the environmental benefits of reusable cotton and jute bags to all members.
- To use recycled, sustainably sourced paper bags for the purpose of all Leeds University Union promotional activity.
Motions Going To Referendum
The following motions have been submitted by a member of LUU have been passed by Union Council. These will be put forward for referendum for members to vote for or against them.
These are in agenda order.
Motion 1 - Paper Bags, Not Plastic
Motion 2 - Should Jack Straw's name and membership to Leeds University Union be reinstated?
Motion 3 - Should the Union shop increase the range of 99p sandwiches which is currently in decline?
Paper Bags, Not Plastic
Basket: Wider Society and Citzenship
Proposer: Rosie Trobe
Seconder: Lizzie Fellows
- 1,000,000 plastic bags are used worldwide every minute.
- It takes up to 1,000 years for plastic to break down in the natural environment.
- Plastic bag litter kills at least 100,000 birds, whales, seals and turtles every year.
- Leeds University Union sells up to 100,000 plastic bags each year.
- Leeds University Union has a Corporate Social Responsibility strategy that seeks to proactively reduce environmental impact and to minimise waste.
- We have a social responsibility to reduce our environmental impact for the benefit of all members and wider society.
- Recycled paper bags are a more sustainable alternative to plastic bags.
- As one of the leading Student Unions in the country, we have the ability to take a lead on initiatives that tackle environmental problems.
- We should aim to reduce the overall number of plastic bags used every year.
- To end the sale of plastic bags in all Leeds University Union retail outlets.
- To provide a recycled, sustainably sourced paper bag alternative at cost price, on which reuse and recycling of the bags is encouraged.
- To communicate to members the reasons behind the switch to paper bags and to display information about the negative impacts of plastic bags on the environment.
- To promote the environmental benefits of reusable cotton and jute bags to all members.
- To use recycled, sustainably sourced paper bags for the purpose of all Leeds University Union promotional activity.
Should Jack Straw's name and membership to Leeds University Union be reinstated?
Basket: Activities, Strong and Active Union
Proposer: Robert Damiao
Seconder: Léonie Mathers
- That Jack Straw was president of Leeds University Union in 1967/1968.
- That this information was recorded on the Presidents' Board, currently placed in the Old Bar and that he had life membership of this Union.
- That a Union Council motion removed his life membership and led to the removal of his name from the Presidents' Board due to personal disagreement with his political decisions.
- That, whatever views individual members may hold regarding former officers of the Union, we should not hide, or attempt to erase, their place in the organisation's history.
- To reinstate Jack Straw's life membership.
- To return the name of Jack Straw to the Presidents' Board.
Should the Union shop increase the range of 99p sandwiches which is currently in decline?
Basket: Welfare
Proposer: David Boyer (200205275)
Seconder: Gareth Roberts (200202804)
- LUU has over 30,000 members of varying economic means.
- According to the UNIQoLL survey (2004) ‘Approximately 75% of students sampled across all years identified financial concerns as a current issue.
- The range of 99p sandwiches available appears to be in constant decline.
- The price of soyarolls has risen from 99p to £1.09.
- LUU should try to ensure that all its members can afford a filling and nutritious lunch.
- The next most expensive sandwiches cost £1.29 (a 30% increase) and also have a restricted range. In order to have a wider choice members must pay £1.49, this is a 50% premium and if sandwiches are bought each weekday of the academic year (22 weeks for a conservative estimate) then this equates to £55 per year.
- This Union resolves to diversify the range of sandwiches available for 99p to better serve all its members.
- This Union resolves to research new and interesting sandwich fillings to be made available for 99p to increase member’s wellbeing and health.
- This Union resolves to use more wholemeal and less white bread in its sandwiches, thus increasing member’s wellbeing and health – and reducing student debts – by providing food which is both healthy and cost-efficient.
Nestlé Boycott
Basket: Wider Society and Citizenship
Proposer: Rosie Trobe
Seconder: Neil Mackenzie
- There has been a Nestlé boycott in place in LUU for more than 12 years.
- This Nestlé Boycott Policy will lapse if not renewed at this referendum.
- According to UNICEF, more than 4,000 babies die everyday because they are not breastfed.
- Nestlé promotes artificial infant feeding around the world, breaking the World Health Organisation code of marketing.
- Nestlé, while frequently denying that it has done anything wrong, has lost a number of court battles against various governments and lobbying organisations.
- As a representative organisation, LUU members should have the choice over whether Nestlé products are sold in our shops.
- The promotion of artificial feeding, particularly in developing countries where their may not be access to safe drinking water, is unacceptable and causes the deaths of many children.
- By boycotting Nestlé products we are sending a message to Nestlé that LUU strongly disagree with their practices.
- To continue the boycott of all Nestlé products in all LUU retail outlets.
- To place advertisement in these outlets explaining why there is a boycott of Nestlé products.
- To write a letter to Nestlé detailing why we are maintaining a boycott of their products, and stating that the boycott will remain in place until they cease these practices and abide by the International Code of Marketing Breastmilk Substitutes.
Results
Results from the referendum that took place in November 2007
At the close of polling 2,093 students had voted over three days, 693 of which were cast online. Each motion needed to have achieved a cumulative vote total of over 1,500 to achieve quorum and become Union policy. The results were as follows:
Motion 1: Paper Bags, Not Plastic
-
Total votes for: 1,671
Total votes against: 187
Cumulative vote: 1,858
MOTION PASSED
This means that the Union will:
- End the sale of plastic bags in all Leeds University Union retail outlets.
- Provide a recycled, sustainably sourced paper bag alternative at cost price, on which reuse and recycling of the bags is encouraged.
- Communicate to members the reasons behind the switch to paper bags and to display information about the negative impacts of plastic bags on the environment.
- Promote the environmental benefits of reusable cotton and jute bags to all members.
- Use recycled, sustainably sourced paper bags for the purpose of all Leeds University Union promotional activity.
Motion 2: Should Jack Straw's name and membership to LUU be reinstated?
-
Total votes for: 1,175
Total votes against: 423
Cumulative vote: 1,598
MOTION PASSED
This means that the Union will:
- Reinstate Jack Straw’s life membership.
- Return the name of Jack Straw to the Presidents’ Board.
Motion 3: Should the union shop increase the range of 99p sandwiches?
-
Total votes for: 1,556
Total votes against: 218
Cumulative vote: 1,774
MOTION PASSED
- Diversify the range of sandwiches available for 99p to better serve all its members.
- Research new and interesting sandwich fillings to be made available for 99p to increase member’s wellbeing and health.
- Use more wholemeal and less white bread in its sandwiches, thus increasing member’s wellbeing and health,and reducing student debts, by providing food which is both healthy and cost-efficient.
Motion 4: Nestle Boycott
-
Total votes for: 1,458
Total votes against: 361
Cumulative vote: 1,819
MOTION PASSED
This means that the Union will:
- Continue the boycott of all Nestlé products in all LUU retail outlets.
- Place advertisements in these outlets explaining why there is a boycott of Nestlé products.
- Write a letter to Nestlé detailing why we are maintaining a boycott of their products, and stating that the boycott will remain in place until they cease these practices and abide by the International Code of Marketing Breastmilk Substitutes.
If you have any further questions relating to any of the above motions, please contact Neil MacKenzie, Communications and Internal Affairs Officer or the Democracy Support Team.
Listen To The Podcasts
The Referendum Big Debate Meeting took place on Thursday 15th November in the Riley Smith Hall. At this meeting the motions going to referendum were discussed and debated. Listen to the motions being discussed by downloading the podcasts below.
Motion 1 - Paper Bags, Not Plastic
Runnning time: 14.52 minutes
File size: 13.6 MB
Motion 2 - Should Jack Straw's name and membership to Leeds University Union be reinstated?
Runnning time: 18.23 minutes
File size: 16.8 MB
Motion 3 - Should the Union shop increase the range of 99p sandwiches which is currently in decline?
Runnning time: 6.39 minutes
File size: 6.09 M
Motion 4 - Nestlé Boycott
Runnning time: 9.28 minutes
File size: 8.67 MB
Documents
- Union Council Open Meeting Agenda (pdf)
Monday 5th November 2007
- Union Council Open Meeting Minutes(pdf)
From Monday 5th November 2007
- Big Debate Meeting Minutes (pdf)
Thursday 15th November 2007
