NTEU CALLS ON USQ TO HONOUR ITS COMMITMENTS TO WORRIED STAFF
30 November 2007
Yesterday, the USQ Vice Chancellor, Professor Bill Lovegrove, addressed a Staff Forum about proposals to restructure the University as part of the Realising our Potential Project. There were reports that up to 130 positions may be lost from the University.
Today the NTEU Queensland Division Secretary, Margaret Lee, said:
"University of Southern Queensland Management has assured us that they will manage any reductions in staff numbers by natural attrition and various flexible voluntary arrangements, and that redundancies will be very much the option of last resort. We will hold USQ Management to these commitments."
The USQ NTEU Branch President, Brad Astbury, said today that
"Many staff at the University are concerned that these proposals might lead to large numbers of redundancies, because of media reports that were made prior to the Forum taking place."
The NTEU has had many meetings to date with USQ Management about the Project and its likely implications for staff. Discussions have included how any reduction in staff numbers will be managed.
"Our enterprise agreement requires USQ to consult widely with its staff over proposed workplace change so that they have an opportunity to influence any decisions made and the progression of the Realising our Potential Project. This is the start of that process," Ms Lee said.
"However, we are looking for an assurance from University Management that the Project will not adversely affect the career opportunities and workloads of USQ staff who have worked so hard to support students and to build the University’s good reputation. And the wider community needs assurances that the University will continue to serve and contribute to the growth and welfare of their region," Ms Lee said.
For further comments, contact:
Margaret Lee, (07) 3846 2355