Freedom and influence - abolition of compulsory membership of student unions

Student unions to appoint student representatives

Voluntary student unions at a higher education institution retain the right to appoint student representatives on the governing body or other bodies of the institution where students are to be represented. If there is no student union, the higher education institution may arrange an election of student representatives.

Conditions for achieving student union status

A higher education institution shall determine on application that an association of students at the institution be given student union status for three years, if the association fulfils certain requirements. The main purpose of a student union must be to monitor and participate in the educational process and study conditions at the higher education institution. The student union must also fulfil requirements relating relating to purpose, area of activity, membership, organisation and ability to represent the students.

Government grants

In order to ensure a structure for the participation of students in the quality assurance procedures of the institution of higher education the Government considers that this activity should be supported by a government grant. Consequently, state higher education institutions as well as private education providers will be allocated SEK 20 million in 2010 and from 2011 will receive annual grants of SEK 30 million to be distributed among the student unions for this purpose.

Tax relief

Both student unions and student nations, along with their cooperation bodies, will retain the tax relief they currently enjoy, which means that these organisations do not pay any income tax, real estate tax or real estate charge.

Student nations

In order to retain their fiscal status the main purpose of the student nations at Uppsala University and Lund University that are currently active must be to support the members of the nation, to promote their studies and to provide student welfare activities, through student welfare contributions.

Student welfare activities

The higher education institutions should be given clear responsibility for student welfare activities that are directly linked to the students' study situation. This applies to information and advice regarding certain questions, reception activities and working life contacts.

Entry into force

It is proposed to abolish compulsory membership of student unions and student nations on 1 July 2010.

Background

The Government considers that the right to determine whether to join or not to join an association is fundamental in a democratic society. Forcing students to join associations is wrong and so compulsory student union and student nation membership, which applies to students at state higher education institutions, should be abolished and replaced by modern forms of student influence. The Government is convinced that student unions that are based on voluntary membership will strengthen and vitalise student influence and strengthen the legitimacy of student unions.

The process

On 29 March 2007 Lars Leijonborg was mandated to appoint an inquiry to study and submit proposals on how compulsory student union and student nation membership can be abolished (ToR 2007:49). In February 2008 the inquiry, called the Compulsory Membership Inquiry, submitted its report, "Freedom for students - how compulsory student union and student nation membership can be abolished" (SOU 2008:11). The report has been circulated for comment and the proposals have subsequently been processed at the Government Offices. The Council on Legislation has submitted comments on the legislative proposal.