Victoria University's plan to scrap 300 jobs will have a devastating impact on staff, the National Tertiary Education Union said today.
VU's voluntary redundancy program aims to shed 300 full-time equivalent roles out of 1875 FTE positions by September.
The University failed in its legal obligations under the enterprise agreement to consult with staff or the union before making the decision.
VU's failure to consult with staff also doesn't comply with its obligations under the Victorian Health and Safety Act to consult before implementing measures affecting workplace health and safety, including workloads .
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.
"VU management has also failed to comply with workplace health and safety laws, and its obligations under the enterprise agreement.
"We know VU staff are already facing extreme and unsafe workloads. Slashing a sixth of the workforce will have devastating consequences.
NTEU Victoria University Branch Vice President Dr Matthew Klugman decried management's rushed, haphazard process.
"Staff are shellshocked. 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."
