At a meeting on Thursday, Dunedin SPCA workers were told total staff hours would be reduced by 10%, or 35 hours, to address demands on services.
However, the Public Service Association (PSA) said the SPCA’s plans to disestablish five jobs at the organisation had progressed with "the bare minimum" of consultation.
PSA organiser Jen Wilson said workers were anxious about the decision.
"It's just before Christmas, and they're not guaranteed a job," she said.
There was little opportunity for staff to work with the SPCA on the proposal, Mrs Wilson said.
"They've done the bare minimum in terms of consultation."
Workers have been told five roles will be disestablished and five new jobs will be created at the facility.
Four of the new roles would be filled by internal appointment only and the final role would be accepting external and internal applications, Mrs Wilson said.
Workers have been invited to apply for the new jobs.
"We think it's focused on cost-cutting — in terms of providing better service, I don't think anybody's really convinced by that.
"It's because they think that the Dunedin branch is more expensive than it should be," she said.
The Dunedin centre was a hub for Otago SPCA services and filled a different role to other facilities around the country, Mrs Wilson said.
SPCA general manager animal services Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell said the Dunedin centre had been without an on-site veterinarian or vet nurse for the past week and while the SPCA was working urgently to recruit, there was a veterinary shortage nationwide, particularly in Dunedin.
"The changes are designed to enhance the delivery of services in Dunedin," Dr Regnerus-Kell said.
The centre’s permanent staffing numbers will be unchanged at 12.
It was working with a local veterinary practice during in the meantime to maintain services for animal welfare needs, he said.
"SPCA presence in Dunedin is crucial in the delivery of improved animal welfare outcomes.
"It is an important centre and remains a focus of investment."
Closing the facility was not being considered and it continued to accept and adopt out animals, he said.
