29 September 2004

AUS Massey Media Release

Massey Staff Oppose Student Fee Increases

The Association of University Staff (AUS) Massey Branch Committee has announced today that it supports students in their opposition to proposed fee increases at Massey University. Massey is looking to increase fees by 5% in 2005, the highest permissible under the Government Fee Maxima policy.

"The answer to inadequate funding of university lies with the government. The University should not be reliant on student fee increases to balance their books", said Massey AUS Branch President Harvey Jones.

"The University seems to care more about making a huge surplus, in order to meet vague Ministry of Education Guidelines, than it does for the welfare of its staff and students", said Jones.

"If the University is genuinely committed to improving staff salaries, it would realise that a cash injection from Government, not students, is needed. AUS believes that increased funding for staff salaries needs to come from the Government".

"The AUS is trying to convince Massey to agree to a National Bargaining strategy, similar to that being run by nurses, which will target the government to fund a salary settlement for all University staff across the country".

"Increased tuition fees will further limit participation in university studies to the rich or favoured, or to those willing to endure a crippling burden of debt on completion of their studies. Such increases also see more students working longer hours in employment while also trying to study full time, thereby hindering their study".

"Investment in tertiary education is a public good. The Government needs to put more money into Universities to ensure that a quality education can be provided. Given that the Government is currently sitting on a $7.4 billion dollar surplus we cannot see why fees need to increase or why staff salary claims can't be met".

ENDS

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