JCU hits back on top staff pay rises

JAMES Cook University has hit back after the National Tertiary Education Union attacked pay rises to the executive and what it considers vague financial reporting.

The university’s NTEU branch president Dr Jonathan Strauss said the 2017 annual report had revealed the university vice- chancellor’s income rose by more than 3 per cent to “at least $ 975,000”.

Two other executives received “no less than $ 810,000 and $ 570,000 each” while their bonuses could be up to 15 per cent on top of that, while the budget deficit grew by almost $ 3 million, according to the union.

A JCU spokesman said all executive officers received the same pay rise as other staff ( 1.5 per cent), and that the annual report had disclosed all “necessary financial information” required by the State Government.

“This is a public university. Many staff are outraged at the amount of money these managers are taking for themselves, while our situation is getting worse,” Dr Strauss said.

Dr Strauss said some staff had taken a reduction in pay measured against the cost of living during last year’s pay negotiations, while the executive enjoyed increases.

He attacked annual reports he considered “not transparent” and difficult- to- determine actual salaries.

The JCU spokesman said 90 per cent of employees who participated in the ballot had approved the latest enterprise agreement, as had the Fair Work Commission.

He said the agreement provided pay increases for staff and other benefits including generous severance and redundancy pay, annual and parental leave.

He said senior executive members had a portion of their salary “at risk” in the form of a performance bonus, and these were common for senior staff.