Jobs Under Threat From Federal Government VSU Push

Jobs are under threat with the Federal Government’s announcement yesterday to push for voluntary student unionism (VSU) in all Universities.

The Community and Public Sector Union, which represents staff in student organisations, has called on the Federal Government to drop their plans to destroy student organisations by starvation.

CPSU Senior Industrial officer Mr Andrew Holland said "We have been inundated with calls from distressed members worried about their working future if the Federal Government gets their way.

"Education Minister Brendan Nelson wants to introduce voluntary student unionism to silence student dissent to his HECS fee increases and funding cuts. This is in spite of the jobs created and the services provided by hardworking staff and students in universities across Australia.

"As one example, over 150 staff work for the student organisations at the University of New England, providing subsidised services and representation to the 17,000 students and 1,300 staff that study and work with the University of New England.

"The student organisations also directly pump over $3 million into the Armidale community. VSU not only means the demise of these student organisations and the services they provide, but also a bodyblow to the Armidale community.

"The CPSU is determined to save student organisation jobs, and will keep Minister Nelson accountable for his unnecessary and unwarranted job killing plan."