NTEU members at UNSW Sydney will strike on Wednesday May 31, the first week of Term 2.
The union is seeking a significant reduction in insecure casual work by converting some of these staff to continuing employment.
UNSW NTEU Branch President Richard Vickery said:
“Staff are standing together in support of colleagues in precarious employment. A secure work environment is critical for the well-being of all staff and to provide continuity of educational support for students.”
UNSW had massive staff cuts in 2021 but returned an operating surplus of $223 million.
The impact of the cuts has been felt in increased workloads across the University.
Associate Professor Vickery said: “Members report still feeling trauma from losing so many colleagues in the last few years, and then coping with the consequent workload increases. Outstanding colleagues have left due to the workload pressures.”
“I personally lost the colleague that I shared an office with, as well as a key collaborator on an ARC grant we held together.”
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 engage with students.
After three weeks of rolling stoppages, union members have resolved to escalate action to a 24-hour stoppage in support of the above issues and a fair pay rise.
“A year spent in bargaining, is a year where these reforms that will significantly improve life for staff and students, are further delayed,” A/Prof Vickery said.
“Members have voted to take industrial action to make management understand the importance of seriously addressing their proposals.”
*** MEDIA ALERT ***
What: NTEU members rallying as part of a 24-hour strike at UNSW for fair pay and conditions
Where: Gate 9, UNSW Kensington, near High St light rail stop
When: 12pm Wednesday May 31
Contact details:
NTEU UNSW Branch President Richard Vickery: 0431 664400 / rvickery@nteu.org.au
