The University of Wollongong (UOW) has rejected a union and institution-wide national plan aimed at saving jobs as the higher education sector grapples with the economic fallout of COVID-19.
The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) and representatives of 38 Australian universities proposed the National Job Protection Framework, a 5-15 per cent salary cut to all full-time ongoing staff, in the hope it would secure 12,000 jobs.
At least ten universities have now rejected the deal, including University of New South Wales, University of Technology Sydney, Deakin, Australian Catholic University, and Central Queensland University.
UOW Vice-Chancellor Paul Wellings today told workers the university would not sign up to the measures.
"The framework does not offer the best pathway to confront the challenges we must deal with to prepare UOW for a sustainable future," Professor Wellings said in a statement.
"The proposed national framework offers some important short-term reductions in pay and conditions for staff to help address the adverse financial impacts of the pandemic.
"However, we must plan for a longer period of time, given the scale of the recession and its likely impact on international student numbers in 2021 and 2022.
"The framework restricts us from taking that view."
A sharp decline in international enrolments and a drop in on-campus accommodation occupancy have forced universities to cut costs.
UOW earlier this month estimated a $90 million budget shortfall, leading to a large 2020 deficit.
Union concerned
The NTEU's national branch created the national protection plan to defend against looming job cuts.
NTEU UOW president Georgine Clarsen said the union still wanted to negotiate, but felt the university was hiding the true economic impact of COVID-19.
"We understand that the university doesn't want to reveal the real situation to staff regarding the finances of our university," Ms Clarsen said.
"We're disappointed that our management hasn't expressed that goodwill, and we are asking them to negotiate with us in good faith.
"They want to act without bringing the union into the decision making, indicating they are unwilling to actually be transparent in a way that a public institution should be."
Ms Clarsen said the union was open to negotiation, but staff were worried.
"We see really hard times ahead. We feel there is going to be a lot of job losses," she said.
"And we feel that those who are lucky enough to retain jobs will be severely overworked.
"We fear they are going to outsource a lot of the tutoring to outside companies."
Sharp revenue decline
Professor Wellings said COVID-19 had brought permanent, far-reaching changes to higher education globally.
"We must restore UOW to long-term financial sustainability while preparing for a post-COVID-19 world," he said.
"As we pursue long-term savings, we will be considering alternative approaches that allow us to protect jobs while positioning our organisation for the future."
Universities Australia, which represents Australia's 39 public universities, has estimated coronavirus revenue losses for the year at $3-4.6 billion.
