In a joint statement on Wednesday afternoon, the University of York Student Union and the Graduate Students’ Association announced their intention to merge later this year.
The statement was signed by YUSU president Pierrick Roger and GSA president Viviane Cao.
Noting their unique position as one of the few universities with two unions, the statement highlighted the perceived need to unify and act in a way that emulates the union tradition of collectivism.
With a future move into a shared space in the new student centre, the statement states that ”the time is right for us to unify.”
“This provides us with a unique opportunity to strengthen our combined offer for students by working together more closely and catering to as many students as possible.”
The statement also stresses that the change will not be immediate, as the two unions hope to conduct detailed student consultation first. Over the next few months, the unions will undertake joint surveys and targeted focus groups.
“It is important to stress that none of our plans are final and this merger of equals is not intended to happen immediately.”
“We will be turning to you, the students, for your input into our vision for a shared future. We will be taking you along with us every step of the way.”
The unions aim to publish their findings and their anticipated plans by Summer 2023.
This is long overdue and should have been done ages ago.