STAFF MUST BE PROTECTED FROM CLOSURE OF UNSW ASIA CAMPUS
May 24, 2007
The job security and conditions of University of New South Wales (UNSW) staff, both on and off shore, must be protected against any adverse fall out from the University management’s decision to close its Asia campus in Singapore, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) said on Thursday. Ms Chris Game, NSW NTEU State Secretary, said: “A significant number of staff at UNSW Asia have been required to forfeit positions at the parent campus in Sydney in order to work in Singapore.” “These people should not have to pay the price of their jobs and careers because of risky ventures that the University wishes to undertake.” “The University’s management must make it a priority to ensure these people are re-employed or re-absorbed back into the UNSW community in Australia.” “As these staff were employed under contracts with a private Singaporean provider, NTEU also calls on the Vice-Chancellor to confirm that any redundancy payments will be in line with the conditions these staff enjoyed under the provisions of the UNSW collective agreement.” “The Union is now seeking an urgent assurance from the Vice-Chancellor that the financial loss suffered by the University as a result of this decision will not be used as a pre-text for further job losses or downgrading of resources in Sydney.” “Whilst we acknowledge management has assured Singapore campus staff it will attempt to offer as many positions as possible back in Australia, the closure of the campus comes hot on the heels of the ‘slash and burn’ redundancy program where in excess of 300 general staff have already lost jobs.” “There was also last week’s announcement that the Faculty of Arts and Social Science will cease employing all casuals used in teaching positions.” “Unfortunately, the decision to close the Asia campus comes as little surprise to staff.” “NTEU members at UNSW had expressed their concerns regarding the risks involved in setting up the Singapore campus on a number of occasions.” “These risks included the financial costs associated with the venture, the effect on students and staff should the venture fail and, of course, the damages to the University’s reputation both here and in Asia.” For further information and comment: Chris Game, NTEU NSW State Secretary: (02)9212 5433