Workplace regulator has stepped in after allegations of risk of psychological harm
SafeWork NSW has ordered the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) to halt its plan to cut hundreds of jobs amid concerns of "psychological harm" to its workforce.
The workplace regulator confirmed to HRD it issued a prohibition notice to the university "with regards to allegations of risk of psychological harm."
"SafeWork NSW takes psychosocial risks seriously and requires employers to manage them like any other health and safety issue," a spokesperson from Safework NSW said.
The notice blocks UTS's plan to cut academic and operational jobs under its Academic Change Proposal as part of a broader initiative to cut $100 million in costs, The Guardian reported.
According to the report, the notice forces UTS to pause all meetings scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday with about 800 impacted staff and the release of the change proposal.
"The prohibition notice remains in place until SafeWork NSW is satisfied that the University of Technology has rectified the issues raised within the notice," the SafeWork NSW spokesperson told HRD.
"SafeWork NSW will continue to work with the University of Technology on the matter."
The move follows an investigation launched after SafeWork received an anonymous complaint alleging that the restructure posed psychosocial risks to staff and that there was inadequate consultation regarding the changes.
The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) said the order exposes a "governance crisis" where damaging decisions are made without accountability.
"What we're seeing at UTS is being replicated across the country: university executives pursuing reckless job cuts that tear at the fabric of public universities, while dismissing the expertise and concerns of their own staff," NTEU National President Alison Barnes said in a statement.
"The fact that a workplace safety regulator had to step in to protect university workers speaks volumes about how disconnected university management has become."
UTS 'frustrated' at the delay
UTS denies the union's claims it has failed to consult with staff.
"We reject the NTEU's contention that we have not adequately conducted preliminary consultation on the need for the changes and the desired outcomes," a UTS spokesperson told HRD.
According to the university, it has been prepared to release the Academic Change Proposal since July and has been seeking to do so to enable a "full and meaningful consultation" with staff.
"We are frustrated by the ongoing delays in releasing the change proposal for consultation and are very concerned about the impact this is having on our community," the spokesperson from UTS said.
"We are aware of staff expressing concerns about the effect these protracted delays are having on their wellbeing."
The university said the need to reduce expenditure is necessary after five-year deficits, with their revenue not being able to cover ongoing operational costs.
"This is not financially or operationally sustainable as continued losses erode our cash position and have the potential to compromise our ongoing operations," the spokesperson said. "It's important we address this to protect and invest in our teaching, research, and our students."
