National Tertiary Education Union vocational education members at RMIT have launched an unprecedented two-week strike for a fair pay rise and improved conditions.
Vocational education staff walked off the job on Thursday after management refused to make a reasonable offer, despite the enterprise agreement expiring more than 900 days ago.
A two-week strike is the longest in RMIT's history.
Almost no progress has been made since RMIT offered a real wages pay cut and no meaningful changes to working conditions in March.
Despite NTEU members resoundingly voting against that offer, management has failed to table an improved deal.
NTEU Victorian Division Secretary Sarah Roberts said the decision to take strike action was not taken lightly.
"RMIT's vocational education teachers have been forced into an unprecedented two-week strike by management's refusal to get serious on a fair pay rise," she said.
"A lot of vocational education teachers at RMIT are juggling multiple jobs just to put food on the table, while the vice-chancellor pockets upwards of $1 million a year.
"Vocational education is absolutely essential because it's a common entry point to tertiary study for lower socioeconomic groups and marginalised learners.
"RMIT management's refusal to offer vocational education teachers a fair pay rise shows utter disrespect for the incredibly important work they do.
"Instead of being rewarded for their tireless efforts, vocational education teachers have been confronted with aggressive industrial tactics.
"A two-week strike speaks volumes about the determination of NTEU members to stand up for a fair pay rise that helps them meet the soaring cost of living."
