Petition against USI and SUPSI cuts: 500 signatures already
Launched by the union VPOD, the petition opposes the savings proposed by the State Council to finance the two initiatives on health insurance.
Contesto
In brief - Petition against cuts to USI and SUPSI has already gathered 500 signatures. - Trade union VPOD opposes savings proposed by the State Council. - Petition demands a stabilization program for fixed-term contracts and a collective agreement for intermediate staff. ## Key facts - What: Petition against cuts to USI and SUPSI - When: Recently launched - Where: Ticino, Switzerland - Who: Trade union VPOD - Amount: 500 signatures collected The trade union VPOD has launched a petition to oppose the savings that the State Council proposes to make to fund the two initiatives on health insurance. The petition, which opposes cuts of CHF 5.5 million for the University of Italian Switzerland (USI) and CHF 1.3 million for the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), has already gathered 500 signatures. Edoardo Cappelletti, co-secretary of VPOD, stated that these cuts would worsen working conditions, especially for intermediate staff, reduce employment in research, and compromise the right to education for students who are already facing high tuition fees, which can exceed CHF 1,500 per semester, even in the inter-cantonal average. Locally, Ticino municipalities like Lugano and Bellinzona are particularly affected by this issue, as a significant portion of their youth enrolls in these institutions. The reduction in funds could translate into an increase in university tuition fees or a reduction in services offered to students. The petition also demands a stabilization program for fixed-term contracts, which currently affect about 30% of academic staff, and a collective agreement for intermediate staff. This is a crucial step to ensure that workers are not in a state of uncertainty and precariousness, factors that can lead to a decrease in t...
Dettagli operativi
The opposition to the reduction of funds for the University of Italian Switzerland (USI) and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) is driven by concerns about the potential consequences for staff and students. In 2023, the Ticino government proposed a cut of around 3 million francs, representing about 5% of the total budget of both institutions. Fears include worsening working conditions, reduced research employment, and increased tuition fees, which are currently around 1,500 francs per student per year. The cities of Lugano and Mendrisio, which host USI and SUPSI respectively, could directly impact research and innovation projects, with negative consequences for local start-ups and the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Ticino. The petition launched by the VPOD union has already gathered over 500 signatures in a few days, indicating strong support among students and teachers. The document aims to counter these cuts by advocating for a program to stabilize fixed-term contracts and a collective agreement for middle management. 📊 Expert analysis suggests that if funding is reduced, USI may have to cut the number of courses offered, leading to a decrease in the number of students, currently around 6,000. 💡 For example, if funding were halved, at least 200 jobs among academic and administrative staff could be lost. ⚠️ It is crucial to act now to ensure that education and research remain priorities for Ticino, a region that has always relied on higher education as an engine of economic development. The petition represents a crucial step in this direction. ## Useful tools to protect your net income To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.
Punti chiave
• body3: If you are also concerned about the consequences of the cuts to funding for the University of Italian Switzerland (USI) and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), you can support the petition by the VPOD union. This initiative is crucial for the future of education and research in our canton. To date, the petition has already gathered over 500 signatures from citizens and students, a tangible sign of attention towards this issue. The funding for USI and SUPSI has been reduced by about 2 million francs for the academic year 2023-2024, a decision that could have significant repercussions on the quality of teaching and research. The municipalities of Lugano and Bellinzona, for example, may experience decreased attractiveness for students and teachers, compromising the local educational ecosystem. To actively participate in this cause, visit the VPOD union's website and sign the petition online. Alternatively, you can print the membership form and deliver it personally to the VPOD. It is important to act quickly, as the petition will be submitted on June 8, coinciding with the Grand Council's discussion on the implementation of initiatives regarding health insurance. Here’s an operational checklist to support the petition: - Visit the VPOD website: www.vpod.ch - Sign the petition online or print the membership form - Deliver the signed form to the VPOD by June 7 - Spread the information among friends and colleagues to increase signatures ⚠️ Remember that the future of educational institutions in Ticino is at stake. Every signature counts! 💡 The quality of university and vocational education is crucial to ensure a prosperous future for the youth of our canton. For a precise net salary calculation, use our tax comparator:...
Punti chiave
[{"q":"What cuts have been proposed by the Cantonal Council?","a":"The Cantonal Council has proposed cuts of 5.5 million francs for the University of Italian Switzerland and 1.3 million for the University of Applied Sciences of Ticino."},{"q":"What are the concerns of the VPOD union?","a":"The VPOD union fears that these cuts may lead to a deterioration of working conditions for staff, a reduction in research jobs, and an increase in university fees."},{"q":"What does the petition demand?","a":"The petition demands a stabilization program for fixed-term contracts and a collective agreement for the middle management."}]
Frequently Asked Questions
- What cuts have been proposed by the Cantonal Council?
- The Cantonal Council has proposed cuts of 5.5 million francs for the University of Italian Switzerland and 1.3 million for the University of Applied Sciences of Ticino.
- What are the concerns of the VPOD union?
- The VPOD union fears that these cuts may lead to a deterioration of working conditions for staff, a reduction in research jobs, and an increase in university fees.
- What does the petition demand?
- The petition demands a stabilization program for fixed-term contracts and a collective agreement for the middle management.