Dear Colleague,  

As many of you will be aware, Federation University applied late last year to the Fair Work Commission to vary the staff enterprise agreement, the Federation University Australia Union Enterprise Agreement 2023-2026. 

The effect of the variation, if granted by the Commission, would have been to insert new words in the enterprise agreement that would exempt the University from having to convert fixed-term research only employees to permanent positions after two years.  

This was an undemocratic and opportunistic attempt by the University to rob staff of hard-won rights.

The Fed Uni Branch of the NTEU would like to invite all current fixed-term staff (including those who are yet to join NTEU) to a meeting on Monday 24 February at 11am to discuss the implications of our new Agreement for job security and those seeking ongoing employment.

Meeting: Agreement Variation Reportback for Fixed-Term Staff  

11 AM Monday 24 February 

Tellingly, the University opted to ask the Commission to unilaterally vary the agreement due to an alleged ‘ambiguity or uncertainty’, rather than putting the proposed variation to a staff vote.  

Our Union fiercely resisted this application, leading evidence in the Commission to demonstrate that, contrary to the university’s case, the words in the agreement were clear and that the Commission did not have the jurisdiction to do what the University was asking.  

Though the Commission listed the matter for a full hearing on 24 February 2025, after reviewing the union’s materials, the University discontinued the case.  

This is a massive win for all fixed-term staff. If you are employed on a research-only contract and have worked continuously for the university for two or more years, you are entitled to automatic conversion.  

Looking forward to seeing you next Monday. 

Fed Uni NTEU Branch  

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