Vice Chancellor Michael Spence did not mention the number of FTE positions the university wants to save when he announced a voluntary redundancy round on Wednesday

But neither did he refer to compulsory departures to follow.

It could have been worse but it was not good enough for the ever-exercised campus branch committee of the National Tertiary Education Union which flat-out opposes staff cuts, including VRs, the “inevitable result” of which is “more work for those who remain.”

The committee suggests the university has reserves to draw down and there are still non-staff savings to be made.

The committee is setting out its position for a members’ meeting later this month. If adopted then university management will need to brace for solid opposition.