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VICTORIA (CUP) — The University of Victoria student union executive directors are taking some time off — kind of.

“Given the budgetary pressures of the [student union], the executives have decided to take a number of days off during the summer because we want to reduce the cost to the [organization],” explained Kelsey Hannan, director of finance for the student union.

“We're saving . . . money because our wages are a lot.”

Each of the four executive directors earns $1,030.50 in gross salary for 37.5 hours of work per two-week pay period. All four decided to reduce their hours, and therefore their salaries, by 10 per cent this summer by taking a Friday off each pay period. Total savings are estimated at approximately $3,500.

Hannan says the initiative shows a commitment to financially helping the student union.

“Everyone here needs to be making an effort to reduce the costs and we need to be part of that too,” he said.

Last year's operating deficit was approximately $25,000. The student union also has an accumulated debt of approximately $268,000.

The executives are currently only taking pay-cuts for the summer, but Hannan says they will look into continuing to do so for the fall.

The student union is looking at other avenues to decrease its debt by increasing advertising revenues and possibly reallocating some funding from other areas.

Hannan says it's important the student union post a positive budget this year, but doing so will mean making some tough choices.

“The amount we're spending right now is not sustainable,” he said.

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