NTEU members at UNSW Sydney are holding a rally on Wednesday May 3 to cap off three weeks of rolling stoppages. The industrial action is in support of improvements in a new enterprise agreement for Professional and Academic staff.
The union is seeking to reduce dependence on insecure casual work by converting some of these staff to continuing employment. UNSW NTEU Branch President Richard Vickery said "Staff are standing up for colleagues in precarious employment. A more secure work environment is critical for the well-being of all staff and provides continuity of support for students."
UNSW had massive staff cuts in 2021 but returned an operating surplus of $223 million. NTEU members report that the impact of this has been felt in increased workloads across the University. A/Prof Vickery said "Staff are still in trauma from losing so many colleagues in the last few years, and then coping with the consequent workload increases. Many outstanding colleagues have left due to the workload pressures."
The union has been negotiating for more than a year, seeking to strengthen the regulation of academic workloads to ensure a safe working environment with adequate time to deliver innovative education and to engage with students. Other issues under negotiation include protection of member superannuation, intellectual freedom protections for all staff, an improved Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment target, and a fair pay rise.
A/Prof Vickery said that "A year spent in bargaining, is a year where these important reforms that will improve life for staff and students are further delayed. Members have indicated their willingness to take further industrial action to make management understand the importance of seriously addressing their proposals. We are excited to use the opportunity of the NTEU National Week of Action to amplify our demands for decent outcomes for university staff."
Rally 1pm Wednesday May 3
Chancellory UNSW, near High St light rail stop
