USU Staff Working Hours Increased to 80%

By Jossie Warnant

The University of Sydney Union (USU) announced it will increase staff hours to 80 per cent. The change is effective next Monday, October 19 and is a result of increased USU revenue. 

In a press release, the USU said that there has been “continuing and consistent” revenue growth as a result of students returning to campus in Semester 2. This has seen USU outlets benefit from increased patronage as a result of students engaging in the campus experience once again. 

Acting CEO Jess Reed said, “The management team and I would like to thank the staff for the many sacrifices they have made along with their unwavering loyalty to the USU that they have demonstrated and continue to so during these extremely difficult times. The USU’s survival can be attributed to our team never losing sight of delivering the best student experience in Australia or to wherever our members may be around the world”. 

This announcement follows the increase of staff hours from 40 per cent to 60 per cent in September, following an increase in revenue at the commencement of Semester 2. 

The Board justified cuts to staff hours due to the financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the USU’s operations, which saw a 97% reduction in customers at venues and outlets. 

This announcement follows a tumultuous year for USU leadership, wherein the transparency of the Board has been questioned due to the number of sensitive financial decisions made in-camera. 

The press release also said that the USU is “embarking on a digital revolution” to engage with the organisation’s 32,000 members. Online events hosted by the USU have included an online Orientation Day, Wellness Week and Language exchange. 

As a result of increased foot traffic on campus, the USU has also announced that, The Deck, which is located in the Wilkinson Building (School of Architecture, Design and Planning) has reopened.