Monash University and the National Tertiary Education Union have reached an agreement for the next enterprise agreement for Monash University academic and professional staff employed at our Australian campuses.
The agreement was reached on 23 April 2024 and is subject to the endorsement of the NTEU national executive and NTEU local branch over the coming weeks. It must be voted up by staff and approved by the independent workplace umpire, the Fair Work Commission, before taking effect.
The agreement provides for equitable and competitive pay increases which sum to a total of 17 per cent between December 2022 and June 2026. It also provides a raft of other improvements including work-life balance commitments and a reduction in casualisation.
The agreement will improve job security by:
- increasing the number of teaching and research continuing positions by 170 full time equivalent (FTE) positions;
- appointing 56 FTE Continuing (Defined Periods) Academic Employment staff to reduce our reliance on sessional staff; and
- providing improved options for fixed-term staff to convert to ongoing employment.
The agreement will also:
- enhance existing leave conditions, including increasing paid partner leave from five days to 12 weeks after the arrival of a child;
- introduce gender affirmation leave for the first time in a Monash enterprise agreement with up to 30 days' paid leave available;
- provide an updated approach to payment for marking for sessional staff; and
- further support work-life balance, including allowing professional staff to work from home in accordance with University policy and have the right to disconnect, and broadening the factors to be taken into account when assessing academic workloads.
Monash University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Sharon Pickering said the agreement was a great step forward for staff, the University and the students and communities they serve.
"Monash is an extraordinary university and our staff are our greatest strength. This is a responsible and fair agreement which provides certainty as we continue to pursue our global ambitions," said Professor Pickering.
"I thank the University and NTEU enterprise bargaining teams, and the senior leaders who have supported them. We've reached this agreement through goodwill and openness to compromise on both sides."
