The University of Wollongong is polling staff on three wrecking-ball options to cut wages and shed jobs in what it says are critical measures as it seeks to reposition in response to the Coronavirus pandemic and anticipated losses in operating revenue from international students.
However, little detail has been provided to substantiate the extent of any expected losses, and comes in spite of recent analysis showing the university’s exposure was “low-risk” and confirming UOW maintained strong cash and asset reserves.
The CPSU NSW has condemned the approach taken by UOW and has called on the Vice Chancellor to sit down with staff and unions, and identify sensible savings measures that can win the broad support of the university community.
Until there is a cool-headed attempt to work in partnership with staff to find local solutions supported by evidence, the CPSU NSW will not be supporting any variation to the professional staff enterprise agreement.
If that means voting for option 3 in the Vice Chancellor’s Clayton’s poll to leverage further discussions, then we are recommending staff Vote 3. We would like to recommend a vote for “none of the above.”
At this point we are highly suspicious of UOW’s tactics, which we believe exploit staff fear and insecurity in an effort to drive sweeping changes to employment arrangements and justify big job losses.
We note the NSW Government has just announced a new $750 million package to assist the sector to weather the immediate financial impact of the crisis.
Further discussions are also continuing in relation to a so-called “secure corridor“ for international students returning to study safely in Australia.
In short, while we appreciate the sector faces a genuine financial crisis, and we have argued governments must do more to help our universities, we are also conscious that things are moving rapidly and Australia is well positioned as a safe haven for international students seeking to study at our world class public universities.
We will work constructively, as we always have, with the sector to find solutions and support success.
We will not, however, allow university staff to be trampled and silenced when they have a right to be included in the conversation, and their opinions heard and properly considered.
For more information contact the CPSU NSW on 1300 772 679.
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