Staff ‘shock’ over university job cuts

University of Otago staff are stunned over the scale of proposed job cuts, a union official says.

University vice chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne told staff about the proposal – which included the loss of 182 full-time equivalent general staff positions and changes to support services – yesterday.

Tertiary Education Union spokesman Shaun Scott, who was at the packed meeting, said staff were ‘‘shocked’’ at the size of the job losses.

‘‘There was anger expressed at the decisions rather than personalised to anybody . . . people feel angry that their jobs are under threat.’’

The union believed the number of people who could lose their jobs would be a lot higher, given the number of part-time workers.

Scott believed the job losses would have a ‘‘negative impact’’ on the university, its students, and the city.

The news comes just months after Cadbury announced plans to exit the city, cutting 350 jobs.

Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull said while any job losses were upsetting for affected staff, ‘‘I’m confident that job growth will continue and the city will prosper’’.

‘‘Even with some cuts in recent years, the city has had an overall net increase in jobs, including a net gain of 644 in the March quarter.’’

The university employed about 2300 full-time equivalent general staff.

The proposed changes would cut 8 per cent of the workforce.

‘‘If Otago is to continue to prosper as a world-class university, it must continue to innovate – including in the provision of support services,’’ Hayne said.

One option outlined in the business case was to create a new contact centre amalgamating the 11 helpdesk services provided to staff, students and the public.

Hayne acknowledged the review created anxiety and uncertainty for staff.

‘‘We have important decisions to make and I would very much appreciate the best possible input from staff.’’

Staff were able to provide feedback over the next six weeks, until August 25.

The final decision would be communicated to staff in midSeptember.

Most of the job changes were proposed to be completed by mid2018.

The university has more than 80 academic departments and more than 18,000 students.