By John Van Klaveren
CONTRACT staff at CSIRO departments around Geelong are in limbo while awaiting word on a job freeze, according to the organisation’s staff association.
Secretary Sam Popovski said the recruitment freeze could cost the jobs of almost 1400 term and casual CSIRO employees nationally.
The non-renewal of contracts could jeopardise vital CSIRO research at its three major sites around Geelong, he warned.
“Which areas of research will be impacted and how? Which CSIRO site locations will be impacted and how?
“Nowhere is immune or protected. These are all questions we’re seeking clarification from CSIRO management.”
The association believed the recruitment freeze was part of a Coalition Government election promise to cut 12,000 public service jobs.
Mr Popovski said the association was awaiting a formal response to its requested clarification from management.
CSIRO sites in the region include Materials Science and Manufacturing, Textile Consulting Services and the Animal Health Laboratories.
“We’re in discussions with management concerning the likely impact of the cuts however significant questions as to the size and duration of the recruitment freeze remain unanswered,” Mr Popovski said.
“If the freeze continues beyond the next few months, all 1400 term and casual employees could be affected. Many CSIRO employees face a bleak future as term contracts approach their conclusion.
“We’re calling on management to end the uncertainty and clarify the length of the restriction and how many employees will be affected.”
Mr Popovski said the latest cuts followed the loss of more than 200 positions earlier this year, with management citing pressure on external revenues and private sector investment.
The latest cuts would harm innovation, he warned.
CSIRO chief Dr Megan Clark confirmed a “temporary suspension of external recruitment and contract renewals”.
Dr Clark said the number of staff quoted as under uncertainty was incorrect and recruitment for “critical” positions could occur “with approval”.
“We recognise that this temporary suspension will result in a higher than usual number of non-renewals.
“CSIRO recruits casual staff primarily for seasonal work or for covering absences of administrative support staff.”
