UTS rejected some claims made by the NTEU and said it was unhappy with the delays brought about by the SafeWork NSW decision.

“We reject the NTEU’s contention that we have not adequately conducted preliminary consultation on the need for the changes and the desired outcomes,” a UTS spokesperson told 9news.com.au.

“The safety and wellbeing of our staff and the management of psychosocial risks are of paramount importance to us.

“We are frustrated by the ongoing delays in releasing the change proposal for consultation and are very concerned about the impact this is having on our community.

“We have been discussing options with staff to address the issues facing the university since late last year and want to have full and meaningful consultation to find solutions but to do so we need to release the change proposal showing what is proposed so they can provide options and suggestions.”

The university told 9news.com.au cost-saving measures were a necessary step for the university to take.

“The need to reduce expenditure is necessary as we have had deficits for five years and our revenue does not cover our ongoing operating costs,” the spokesperson said.

“This is not financially or operationally sustainable as continued losses erode our cash position and have the potential to compromise our ongoing operations.

“It’s important we address this to protect and invest in our teaching, research and our students.”