Union threatens industrial action over University of Tasmania’s business school review

The National Tertiary Education Union has threatened to launch industrial action at UTAS over concerns the university is not consulting properly with staff on its business school restructure.

University of Tasmania Vice Chancellor, Professor Rufus Black. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

The National Tertiary Education Union has threatened to launch industrial action at the University of Tasmania, over concerns UTAS is not consulting properly with staff about its business school restructure.

NTEU Tasmania branch secretary Dr Ruth Barton said union questions about the university’s engagement with the College of Business and Economics had not been inadequately addressed, with Dr Barton slamming UTAS for being “evasive” about its plans for the department.

Dr Barton said the NTEU was concerned about the likelihood of forced redundancies in COBE, and warned that any program of job cuts could be replicated in other areas of the university.

“UTAS continue to shroud their true intentions in a fog of procedural jargon, showing a blatant disregard for genuine consultation and staff wellbeing,” Dr Barton said.

“UTAS claims transparency, but their actions speak louder than words. They’re not eliminating work – they’re simply shifting it onto the shoulders of already overburdened staff, all while hiding behind a veneer of ‘consultation’.

“UTAS is more interested in ticking boxes than in genuine dialogue.

“Their response is a masterclass in deflection, sidestepping the real issues of workload intensification, job security, and the quality of education.”

As reported by the Mercury in June, the COBE review, headed by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Anthony Koutoulis, was launched to investigate the operation of the department’s three distinct functions – the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics, University College, and the International School.

On Monday, a UTAS spokesperson told the Mercury that the review remained in its initial stages, with any eventual decisions to be based on discussions with employees.

“The University is seeking feedback from staff and working to support them during the consultation phase to create the best outcome,” the spokesperson said.

But the NTEU called on UTAS leaders to immediately pause the restructure process, until the university had provided staff with a comprehensive overview of potential jobs cuts.

Dr Barton said the union would consider all its options, including potential industrial action, to protect the wellbeing of its members.

“We will not be placated by empty assurances and procedural smoke screens,” Dr Barton said. “UTAS must come clean about their real intentions, engage in meaningful dialogue, and

prioritise the interests of staff and students over short-term cost-cutting measures.”