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NT union farewells Vice-Chancellor with pointed message to members

THE union representing staff at Charles Darwin University says the resignation of its Vice-Chancellor is the only positive event to happen for the university this year

The union representing staff at Charles Darwin University says the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Maddocks is the only positive event to happen for the university this year.

In a message to members short on Christmas cheer, NTEU NT Industrial Officer Heinz Schmitt said in his 15 years at CDU, under three different Vice-Chancellors, he had never seen such carnage.

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“Hundreds of jobs lost, endless bad investment decisions that have cost the university millions, an increase of senior roles and subsequent costs and a staff morale at its lowest in all that time,” Mr Schmitt wrote in an email to members.

“I would like to extend my best wishes to those who have chosen to leave the university voluntarily and extend my commiserations to those who have been declared redundant.

“Some will accept (sic) this decision, others will go through the redeployment process in the new year.

CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Maddocks is departing from the university. Picture: SUPPLIED
CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Maddocks is departing from the university. Picture: SUPPLIED

“Be rest assured the NTEU will be alongside you, ensuring you get your rightful entitlement. “If you have any queries regarding your final redundancy pay out, please email me in the New Year and I will check it over and advise accordingly.”

Mr Schmitt said when he had run into former CDU staff who lost their job in the last restructure or have “chosen to leave due to unachievable workload expectations”, they all looked years younger and happier.

Mr Schmitt finished by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

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CDU is undergoing a restructure for its Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training sectors, with 71 positions being cut.

The restructure is forecast to save $10m, and the number of positions no longer required represents 5 per cent of all CDU employees.

Nineteen of the 199 Vocational Education and Training courses on offer at CDU have been axed.

gary.shipway@news.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/northern-territory/nt-union-farewells-vicechancellor-with-pointed-message-to-members/news-story/175db1ee58d024a9c90d2f7d48922b1d