U-Vet Werribee Animal Hospital staff members have lodged an application to the Fair Work Commission in response to the proposed closure of the animal hospital.
The application is in relation to ‘deal with a dispute in accordance with a dispute settlement procedure’ and U-Vet veterinary nurse Taylor Reader said that the university had not made any serious effort to consult with staff or the community about the animal hospital’s closure as was required.
“Disgracefully, the University of Melbourne is attempting to ram through the closure of our valued animal hospital with nothing but tokenistic consultation of the staff who’ll lose their jobs and their livelihoods,” Ms Reader said.
“The University of Melbourne has treated us like we’re nothing and has brought forward the animal hospitals closure in a deeply cynical effort to stop staff from taking action in the Fair Work Commission to stop it.
“U-Vet staff have been more than willing to work with the University of Melbourne to keep the animal hospital open, but all of our offers of assistance and cooperation have been met with silence.
A University of Melbourne spokesperson said the university had planned to announce its decision around the future of the U-Vet Hospital on December 12, but the decision was postponed “due to last minute proceedings initiated by a small number of staff members”.
“There have been high levels of community concern about the need for veterinary services in Werribee, and the University had hoped to provide information and reassurance for the wider community,” the spokesperson said.
“The university is working hard to resolve this situation and proceed with the announcement as quickly as possible.
“The university is confident it has fully complied with all obligations under the Enterprise Agreement.”
