University council questions reorganization plan
The university council is not pleased with the reorganization plans presented by the Executive Board. The plan was discussed during a university council meeting last Friday.
Students’ parties Front and SAM are upset about the plan to reduce the number of student workstations. At the moment, the campus has one thousand computer workstations for students. To save money, the Executive Board plans not to replace discarded PCs. ‘An absolute no go’, say Sam and Front, who claim there is actually a shortage of computer workstations. Both parties demand a withdrawal of the proposal.
However, Chairman of the Executive Board Hein van Oorschot does not intend to withdraw the plans. “During examination periods there are too few workstations, but all the students need is a quiet place to study, not a traditional PC. Students have modern tools such as laptops and tablet PC’s and need a good Wi-Fi network. I think the proposal, as it is now, is entirely reasonable. ”
Union Abvakabo has different worries: they claim to be receiving signals that some service departments are using the reorganization to lay off poorly performing employees. Korrie van Helvert (Abvakabo): “During a reorganization, service departments do not have to go to court to get rid of poorly functioning staff. Moreover, because reorganization money can be used to do so, it does not cost much.”
Employee parties Abvakabo and Onafhankelijken (Independents) also have problems with the fact the university is considering planned redundancies. Van Helvert: “We do not think that these dismissals are necessary. Costs can be cut by taking other measures.” Van Helvert also has concerns about those employees remaining. “They should not be overloaded with work.”
Van Oorschot disputed that the plan is used to ‘get rid of people’. “There should be substantive arguments to end activities or to organize work differently. Besides, employees that are performing well risk being fired as well.” The chairman also doesn’t believe that the remaining employees are overloaded by all the work. “Over the years, some services have become unnecessary within our institution. We can certainly end a number of tasks without anyone noticing.”
On November 4, the university council continues its discussion about the plan.
