UNSW JOB CUTS
30 August 2006
NTEU National Officers fully support today’s protest against the program of job cuts recently announced by UNSW management.
Under the University’s announcement it is possible that more than 600 jobs could disappear. The administrative, professional and support staff jobs targeted provide core and essential services which underpin the broader teaching and research effort of the University. Comprehensive and specialist library provision, responsive and experienced cleaning and security services and professional support for faculty and central areas will be undermined by the University’s plans.
UNSW has a strong balance sheet and significant cash-flow surpluses, and is already well-positioned in the increasingly competitive, premium university market. With careful planning it is in a position to fund a program of undergraduate scholarships, additional research infrastructure projects and the costs of student services affected by voluntary student unionism laws, without resorting to job cuts.
The University needs to consult more widely and negotiate with NTEU and staff in the affected areas.