TALKS over redundancies at Victoria University could turn ugly this week, says a top union official.
Victoria University (VU) last week confirmed that 15 TAFE teaching positions would be cut from 20 November.
“How can I put this?” said Joe Micallef, Australian Education Union president for VU.
“Ageing staff who are loyal to the university are being given an opportunity to put their hand up, in an appropriate manner.
“But I think things could turn ugly.
“I expect we’ll have more than the number of volunteers required, but not necessarily matched to the positions.”
Departments will lose experts in the fields of boiler making, panel beating, social justice and sign writing.
Cuts include:
– 10 full-time teaching positions in engineering;
– two full-time teaching positions in building services and special trades;
– two full-time teaching positions in social and community studies;
– one full-time teaching position in information technology.
But Mr Micallef said the real tragedy was Australia’s skill shortage.
“What’s happening at the moment, which is the real tragedy, is that we are talking about skill shortages here in Australia, and Vic Uni is cutting 15 teaching positions.”
VU pro vice chancellor Dr Anne Jones said the university could no longer afford the positions.
Ms Jones said some courses were considered low priority, or had seen significant decline in student numbers.
“The university has worked closely on all draft change plans with staff and the Australian Education Union,” she said.
“Where positions have been declared redundant and staff have elected redeployment to suitable employment, they will be provided with assistance where other valid employment at VU is available.
“In the first instance any redundancies will be voluntary.”
VU staff were notified on 31 October and further consultation will take place from 8 to 15 November.
All final change plans will be approved on 17 November.
