Rally at UTS Highlights Threatened Job Cuts Amidst Government Funding Crisis

Staff Rally Against Job Cuts at UTS

Approximately 200 staff members from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) gathered on campus to protest against proposed job cuts, with a notable delegation from the nearby University of Sydney. UTS management aims to slash $100 million from the budget by 2027, which could result in 600 job losses, representing about 20% of the workforce.

The rally, organized by the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) UTS branch committee, highlighted the broader context of job losses across Australian universities, driven by the Albanese Labor government’s cuts to international student enrolments and chronic underfunding of tertiary education. Notable job losses are expected at several institutions, including the Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Wollongong.

Despite the gravity of the situation, speakers at the rally, including NTEU Branch President Sarah Attfield, did not directly oppose the budget cuts. Instead, they focused on requesting transparency from university management regarding financial decisions. Attfield remarked, “We don’t know why the uni wants the cuts.”

Attfield's call for unity was overshadowed by a lack of strong opposition to the cuts, as many speakers suggested collaborating with management rather than confronting the budget reductions. Attfield encouraged staff to sign a petition supporting the University Academic Programs Office (UAPO), even though it had already been dissolved.

The rally concluded without a clear plan for action against the cuts, with Attfield suggesting minor individual efforts instead of a coordinated fight against the Labor government’s policies. This reflects a concerning trend where the NTEU and other union leaders are perceived as diverting and suppressing opposition to job cuts, enabling university management to proceed with layoffs under the guise of “voluntary” redundancies.

In the wake of these events, significant job cuts are anticipated across various universities, including the University of Canberra and Macquarie University, as they seek to address budget deficits. The situation underscores the need for rank-and-file committees to advocate for the interests of university staff and students against the backdrop of government-imposed austerity measures.