Employees recommend training restrictions, reduction on office costs
Staff at Massey University has lodged an alternative proposal in a bid to avoid the job cuts proposed in the deficit-hit institution, according to reports.
The proposal was submitted by the Tertiary Education Union (TEU) and a group of staff from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Stuff reported on Wednesday.
Lisa Emerson, a professor included in the staff members who submitted the alternative proposal, said their submission "considerably" outperforms the university's current proposal in terms of creating a sustainable future for the college.
Emerson told Stuff that their proposal did not require job cuts, while showing an increased cost saving of $6.2 million, and hiked revenue of $4.2 million.
According to the professor, the college's deficit could be managed by imposing restrictions on travel and training, reducing office costs, as well as a more accurate forecast of research income.
"The alternative proposal also provides a planned strategic approach to revising the academic offer and attracting new internal and international students," Emerson said as quoted by Stuff.
Current proposal
The proposal was filed as the university pools feedback over its plan to cut jobs to reduce costs, amid reports saying that the college suffers from a $6.5-million deficit for the year.
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The plan impacts the university's college of humanities and social sciences, causing about 40 job losses in the school of humanities, media and creative communication, and the school of people, environment and planning to be affected, according to a Stuff report.
The planned restructure announced in October follows a previous proposal to cut jobs at the Natural Sciences, and Food and Advanced Technology, which would lead to over 100 job losses.
But Emerson pointed out that the university had not looked at staff workloads, as she noted that many of their staff members had not had a performance review in years.
"Our workload estimates suggest that the current academic offer could not safely be offered by the proposed staffing levels, thus jeopardising staff wellbeing and student success," Emerson said.
It would also impact students, as the restructure would lead to staff changes midway through the semester.
Cynthia White, pro vice-chancellor of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, said she would look at the alternative proposal with an open mind.
Universities across New Zealand have been carrying out job cuts as a result of financial stress due to a turbulent economy and COVID-19. Last year, the Auckland University of Technology laid off staff, with its vice chancellor warning that other institutions may likely carry out the similar moves.
"We're going to see many of the universities – most of them – in very difficult places, and some hard decisions will have to be made," Damon Salesa said last year.