Rally to save UCOL student support staff

UCOL's threatened library and student health staff will be rallying on Thursdaylunchtime to save their jobs.

UCOL plans to cut the jobs of 43 people, including people who support students’ health and learning.

TEU, the union representing people who work at UCOL, is organising a rally at 12.30 this Thursday 19 May outside UCOL’s main entrance, to oppose the job cuts.

"UCOL wants to get rid of the people who help students," says TEU branch president Steve Wharehinga.

"That's not good news for the students and it’s not fair on the experience qualified, loyal people who give their time to those students."

UCOL plans to cut student support workers like nurses from its health care centre and librarians, as well as a disability support worker and experienced programme leaders who organise courses and learning opportunities for students.

Wharehinga says it is embarrassing that a polytechnic like UCOL would plan to chop the number of trained, experienced and qualified people.

"If anywhere should value the importance of experience and qualifications it should be UCOL."

Wharehinga says the rally is the first of several events people in the union are planning to stop the job cuts.

ENDS

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