The Australian National University (ANU) has announced that there will be no forced redundancies.
Quotes attributable to NTEU ACT Division Secretary Dr Lachlan Clohesy:
“This is good news.”
“Every university staff member in the country facing job cuts can take heart from what has happened at the ANU.
“It is the collective work of union members which has saved these jobs at the ANU. In doing so, they have stood up not just for their own jobs, but for the University itself.
“The Interim Vice-Chancellor deserves credit for reading the room accurately on this issue. More consultation is needed on structural changes, but removing forced redundancies is a significant step forward.
“Renew ANU has damaged the University and its people. It has broken the University. While there is work to do, we can now start to pick up the pieces.
“If this is possible today, it was possible two weeks ago. The only change has been the resignation of Professor Genevieve Bell. Today demonstrates that much of the pain and psychological damage of recent times was not necessary.
“I hope that leadership at UTS is taking note of what has happened at the ANU.”
Quotes attributable to NTEU ANU Branch President Millan Pintos-Lopez:
“This is a fantastic win for ANU staff. Union members have fought tirelessly to save these jobs.”
“This is a significant step in the right direction to correct the chaotic and cruel leadership of the past 18 months. But let’s not forget some of the leaders responsible are still in control. The Chancellor needs to step down.
“We also need to be mindful that many staff have already left the ANU as part of this process.”
Quotes attributable to NTEU National President Dr Alison Barnes:
“This sends an incredibly powerful message to all vice-chancellors pursuing reckless and unjustified cuts: NTEU members standing together will fight hard against damaging decisions and win.
“There is an overwhelming case for major governance reform that doesn’t allow the type of destructive attacks on the fabric of our universities that we’ve seen attempted at the ANU and UTS.
“Federal and state governments must act to end the governance crisis and stop our public universities being run like soulless corporations that don’t serve the public good.”
Contact: Dr Lachlan Clohesy ([email protected], 0418 493 355)