James Cook University staff will rally against proposed job cuts on Wednesday at protests in Cairns and Townsville.
JCU management has put 30 academic roles on the line as part of its academy change proposal.
National Tertiary Education Union members have warned job cuts won’t achieve financial viability.
Wednesday’s rallies, which start at 12pm on the Cairns (Nguma-bada) and Townsville (Bebegu Yumba) JCU campuses, will stress “we can’t afford to lose anyone”.
“This hasn’t worked in the past. Nothing suggests it will now,” said Associate Professor Dr Simon Foale, NTEU JCU Academic Vice-President.
“JCU having a diversity of offerings as a comprehensive university is attractive to students.
“Our own Vice-Chancellor previously said we can’t afford a smaller academic body. We expect the job cuts will exacerbate the long-term decline in student numbers JCU has had.”
NTEU JCU Branch President Dr Jonathan Strauss said:
“JCU should grow through attention to all five university priorities, including meeting regional opportunities and being a place-based knowledge partner.”
“I can’t see how leaving Townsville without tourism education and research, or northern Queensland without creative arts, planning or conflict resolution degrees, and turtle disease research, as well as cutting back other programs, makes sense.
“What JCU needs is effective options that work with our communities, and political support to do this.”
Speech pathology lecturer Roger Newman said:
“A member of my College was congratulated for being awarded more than half a million dollars research grant one week.
“The week after, they are being told that their research is not in keeping with College values and their job is at risk. But those goals aren’t disclosed, so researchers can’t even try to align with them.”
Staff want the sustained success of JCU.
They have launched a petition for all staff, students and community supporters to oppose the cuts and will put their arguments against the cuts to management within two weeks.
*** Save Jobs and JCU Rallies ***
JCU staff, students and community supporters welcome
Wednesday, August 30, 12 noon
Cairns (Nguma-bada) – Library Lawn
Townsville (Bebegu Yumba) – Central Plaza
