JCU cuts staff and changes courses, Union and students disappointed

STUDENTS and Union representatives have voiced their disappointment over James Cook University’s confirmation of multiple redundancies and changes to some courses.

Students and union representatives have spoke about James Cook University’s cuts to staff and changes to some courses.

STUDENTS and union representatives have voiced their disappointment over James Cook University’s confirmation of multiple redundancies and course changes.

JCU’s Change Plan was released within days of the announcement of securing a $96 million loan from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility for a complex at the Townsville campus.

JCU said the changes were decided after extensive consultation and were necessary to respond to changes in the university’s operating environment.

JCU IN CLEAR ON STAFF CUTS

National Tertiary Education Union Queensland division secretary Michael McNally said the union forced consultation, which saw JCU confirm 29 redundancies instead of the original plan of 32.

“They’re implementing these 29 redundancies in the face of overwhelming opposition in the feedback they’ve received from staff and students,” he said.

“The announcement of (NAIF) funding for a massive project on the Douglas campus is of genuine concern to us. That money is going to have to be paid back at some point in the future, so we’re concerned about financial management at James Cook University overall.”

PAY RISE FOR JCU EXECUTIVES

JCU Students Against Staff and Course Cuts spokesman Jason Hill said despite the university taking submissions, not enough information was provided to make informed input.

“Our position remains the same, the decision was made long before feedback was sought,” he said.

Mr McNally said he understood students’ suspicions, but the noise created by staff and students protesting cuts and redundancies would likely make the University’s management consider the changes further.

“There has been some benefit in the furore that this has created,” he said.

Mr Hill said students were feeling defeated by the announcement.

“While the change plan is a big disappointment, we have demonstrated that the students and staff of JCU are a passionate community and will rally together to stand up for one another,” he said.

“JCU have been lucky that they have limited competition in the area but with other unis making their presence felt, we feel that this is a very big business error on the side of JCU management.”

Originally published as JCU cuts staff and changes courses, Union and students disappointed