Still more research jobs slashed - PSA
Ten redundancies amongst researchers at the country's leading horticulture and food research institute, HortResearch - announced today - underline the Government's complete lack of commitment to developing a knowledge-based economy,' says PSA organiser Malcolm Blair.
Redundant
staff include experienced scientists, technologists,
technicians, business mangers and support staff with
long-standing links in the food industry.
The affected
science group is fully-funded through government and
industry research contracts. Senior management say staff
performance was not an issue in the decision to make staff
redundant.
HortResearch staff are involved in cutting-edge research aimed at adding value to New Zealand food products.
The job losses at HortResearch follow a similar decision last month to cut jobs at another science research institute - Forest Research.
'Staff are shocked and perplexed by HortResearch management's decision,' says Blair. 'The government recently announced that this area of innovation is a high priority. They said they wanted to see the establishment of wealth-creating industries and the generation of 'health for all'.
But this latest move proves the government has no commitment to New Zealand's future. It sends a clear message that the government's proclaimed commitment to science and research is just hollow words. They couldn't care less,' he said.