Hundreds of academic jobs are on the line at Victoria University, according to the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU).
The cause is Victoria University’s organisational reform plan, which aims for a $40-$50 million savings target by 2016 through a combination of “salary and non-salary savings”.
The union’s Victoria University branch president, Paul Adams, said VU would cut about 200 professional staff in a bid to save
$20 million.
“This concerns us as there have been substantial cuts to professionals already and we’ve had a major reorganisation where there’s an intensification of staff-tute services,” Mr Adams said.
“The staff workload is skyrocketing; they’re already very overworked. Anecdotally, the incidence of staff taking sick leave is increasing.”
A university spokeswoman said voluntary redundancies were being considered as part of the larger savings plan and expressions of interest were open to staff.
“If we get enough [expressions of interest], there will be no need to make further cuts. We’re definitely not issuing any involuntary redundancies now,” she said.
“It will depend on the individual position. If they hold a critical position, there will be further questions to answer. It’ll be decided on a case by case basis.”
Vice-chancellor Professor Peter Dawkins said the university had made good progress in achieving its strategic plan goals, set in 2012.
“Through recent changes, VU has achieved a more effective organisational structure and strengthened its executive leadership team,” Professor Dawkins said.
“These changes … will ensure our financial sustainability and ongoing success.”
VU chief operating officer Jonathan Tribe said the university was continuing to streamline operations, minimise red tape and reduce staff numbers while updating staff regularly about the changes.
“After successfully implementing the first phase, which saw the establishment of market-facing colleges and shared services, VU is continuing to drive efficiencies,” Mr Tribe said. “The leadership team is focused on ensuring this program leaves VU financially sustainable and efficient in a highly competitive market. Every immediate cost-saving opportunity is being considered.”
Mr Adams said “streamlining operations” involved administration and admissions, and centralisation of the reduced staff.
“So instead of looking after one college, the staff member might be looking after six,” he said. “We would like VU to think more about service and less about using staff as a quarry for future investment.”
