Bangor University now finds itself in the hornets’ nest. This follows news of Vice Chancellor Mr. Burke’s large pay increase, while the institution is preparing to shed 200 jobs. Mr. Burke’s salary increased by 13% to £273,000, despite the university’s ongoing financial difficulties and recent staff layoffs. Consultancy roles you might not expect… Last year, he made £222,000 as an 11-month consultant.
The university’s staff expanded from 18 to 26 workers over the last year. This growth couldn’t be more opposite to the anticipated layoffs. In a follow-up email to the faculty and staff, Mr. Burke credited the university’s “very positive progress” in deriving savings. He attributed this success to “strict controls” as well as “voluntary severance and retirements.”
Mr. Burke never got that pay increase this year. His recent salary bump has caught staff and union representatives off guard. The University and College Union (UCU) reacted angrily to the decision to reward senior staff financially while imposing cuts elsewhere in the budget. Dyfrig Jones, UCU vice president, said Mr. Burke’s pay increase was ‘astonishing and disheartening. He made the point that voting no on the increase would save one or two jobs.
In response to these concerns, Marian Wyn Jones highlighted the “financial challenges facing the university and the sector,” underscoring the difficult decisions that must be made in such circumstances. Union representatives counter that the amount going to executive salaries is enormous. They hope this money can go further to protect the university’s most lower-paid, frontline staff who are essential to the university’s operation.
“We are talking about substantial sums of money, which are enough to keep a great many of those who are facing losing their jobs in employment,” – Dyfrig Jones
The UCU criticized the university’s decision to reward Mr. Burke financially during a time when many employees face job uncertainty. This message landed on staff who have been put through the ringer over the past few years. Jones remarked, “It hurts and it feels like another blow to our staff who have already been through such a difficult period.”
A Bangor University spokesperson defended the pay rise, stating, “Our core mission continues, which is to provide a high standard of education and deliver research of the highest quality.” These responsibilities extend to the transparency and accountability of monthly salary information, including those of their senior staff, their spokesperson also stated.
“Our leadership team concentrates on using resources responsibly to support our mission and future stability.” – Bangor University spokesperson
In a time of financial uncertainty, Bangor University is taking a proactive approach to these challenges. The fairness of executive compensation versus employee job security unleashes a fierce debate. The community will be watching closely. As the university continues to reckon with its financial priorities, demands for increased accountability from its leadership intensify.
