It’s a plan based on the original job security accord

Vice Chancellor Rufus Black has agreed to allow an independent committee including union reps to oversee university saving strategies. This is a core aspect of the proposed National Job Protection Framework, which the National Tertiary Education Union withdrew after 20 vice chancellors refused to accept external oversight.

However, Professor Black says the university has reached in-principle agreement on a savings plan with campus unions, NTEU and the Community and Public Sector Union, including “independent oversight of staff reductions.”

Union members vote on the proposal today and tomorrow. If passed it will go to an all staff vote June 15-16.

Professor Black says Uni Tas faces a revenue loss of $30m-$34m this year and $60m-$120m next year and in 2022.

The university also commits to addressing the deficits by starting job cuts with; “extensive voluntary options from early retirements through to voluntary redundancies.”

In return, management will ask staff to forego a scheduled 2 per cent pay rise, which would save 50 jobs.

The VC also points to continuing an already announced commitment to, “long-term sustainable staffing numbers, not just cuts to get through.”

“Staff numbers will be reduced as we change what we offer, how we deliver it, and how we support it,” Professor Black says.

This is likely in-line with his plan to restructure the university’s courses, reducing degrees on offer from 514 to 120 (CMM March 11).