Strike Action on Monday, 28 August at 12:00pm At 12:00pm Monday 28th of August, it's tools down for all NTEU members employed by the University. We will meet for a rally at 1:00pm at the Raymond Priestly building in Parkville. Why are we striking? University of Melbourne[1] Vice Chancellor Duncan Maskell's team has been dragging their feet on [2]providing concrete proposals on most of our key issues including [3]taking responsibility for out of control workloads and our proposal to ...Continue Reading

--------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear colleague, Sixteen universities across Australia have now achieved significant improvements in conditions for staff including: Not only will staff at these universities receive pay increases, but thousands of new secure jobs will be created in coming years. These conditions and pay rises have only been possible through union negotiations and the commitment and passion of thousands of staff working towards better wor ...Continue Reading

[1] --------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear colleague, Our sector is approaching a crucial turning point. The latest interim report (to come out of the Higher Education review) suggests that we're in for massive change. Right now, as higher education staff, we must make our calls for the reforms our sector needs loud and clear. Meeting details: ================ We'll be discussing our suggestions on reasonable first steps, our concerns, and w ...Continue Reading

Dear colleague, In Australia, industrial laws are broken. [1]The right to strike is hemmed in by the restrictive Fair Work Act 2009. In respect of Australia’s international obligations, [2]the system of strike regulation has repeatedly been found to fall short of fully implementing the right to strike. It is difficult to access so-called “protected” industrial action. An onerous process of applying to the Fair Work Commission and balloting union members is required. Beyond this, what f ...Continue Reading

Dear University of Melbourne staff, As you may know, the National Tertiary Education Union recently [1]planned industrial action on May 24th (now cancelled) to coincide with the installation ceremony for the new Chancellor, Jane Hansen. Over the weekend, NTEU learned that the Chancellor’s ceremony had been cancelled. The University communicated that this was because of a “staff and student protest.” What was planned, however, was [2]a strike and picket. Strike action is not something ...Continue Reading

Dear colleagues, I write in my capacity as the union negotiation lead for a new enterprise agreement at the University of Melbourne. I am also a Professor at the Melbourne Law School and the NTEU Victorian Assistant Secretary (Academic Staff). A central point of contention in bargaining for a new enterprise agreement at the University of Melbourne concerns job security. The NTEU is [1]seeking to establish continuing employment as the norm with an 80% target for such employment, while Univ ...Continue Reading

Dear University of Melbourne staff, NTEU members are taking industrial action for all -- staff, students and community. NTEU members are taking industrial action because our community deserves better. It is an incredibly moving and inspiring time to be part of the NTEU. [1]Our recent demonstration on 3 May saw waves of staff and students joining together to stand up for our collective future. We took strike action, rallied and marched for: * [2]An 80% secure work target ...Continue Reading

Hi everyone. My name is Emily, I am a third year arts student and a library assistant in the Baillieu library. I’m writing to you today as a student and a staff member of the University of Melbourne. When I first started as a student here over three years ago, I remember an NTEU member coming up to me at my commencement ceremony to tell me about the wage theft that was happening at the University. On my very first day as a student, I was shocked to find out that tutors were not getting paid to a ...Continue Reading

[1] It's no secret that Australia faces a cost of living crisis, while university staff are working harder than ever in jobs that are increasingly insecure. At the culmination of our National Week of Action, this forum will tackle issues that affect you. Hear how higher education staff are achieving fair pay rises, safe workloads, and job security across the country. Date: Friday 5 May 2023 Time: 2 – 3pm (AEST) [2]Register here. [3] Regards, Dr Alison Barnes Nation ...Continue Reading

[1] --------------------------------------------------------------------- At the NTEU, we believe everyone working in higher education deserves job security, a safe workload and fair pay for their hard work. These key claims are at the heart of our National Week of Action, and we're committed to taking action until they are a reality for all staff. [2] [3] [4] [5] Together, let's make our voices heard as we continue to work towards practical steps that employers can take to imp ...Continue Reading