Hannah Hammoud
Victoria University (VU) has placed 300 jobs on the chopping block in an attempt to save $40 million.
The National Tertiary Education Union said the university is aiming to shed 300 full-time equivalent roles by September through a “voluntary separation program” (VSP) which involves staff choosing to be made redundant.
In an email to staff, Vice Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said the cost savings target is required as the university’s spending currently exceeds its revenue.
“The VSP is voluntary, but the cost savings target is a very real one,” he said.
The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) has accused the university of failing to meet its legal obligations under the enterprise agreement to consult with staff or the union before making a decision.
NTEU Victorian division secretary Sarah Roberts said university management’s decision was incredibly disappointing.
“Deciding to cut 300 jobs without talking to staff or the NTEU is completely unacceptable, and inimical to the welfare of staff who have already endured multiple redundancy rounds in recent years,” she said.
NTEU Victoria University branch vice president Dr Matthew Klugman criticised the process.
“Staff are shell shocked. It’s simply unfathomable that the university refuses to work with staff, and instead has sprung on them a massive set of redundancies without even consulting,” he said.
“It is time for the university to create an ethical, sustainable workload for all its staff. We will stand side by side with our colleagues throughout the entire process.”
Professor Shoemaker acknowledged that this is a challenging time for everyone at the university.
“In saying this, my confidence in VU is very strong. We have outstanding people who care about our students, our values and our purpose. It is a place of undoubted excellence,” he said.
Professor Shoemaker told staff the VSP was an immediate action taken by the leadership team as part of the university’s roadmap for the future, the ‘Towards One VU Program.’
“It will set us up for sustainability now – and growth in the future – across the whole institution and in all areas of our operations,” he said.
VU declined to make any further comment at this stage.
