National Tertiary Education Union 21 Oct 2008

http://www.nteu.org.au/news/current/vu_action

NTEU to recommend industrial action at Victoria University
21 October 2008

The National Tertiary Education Union will be recommending industrial action be taken at a meeting of Victoria University staff tomorrow, said Matthew McGowan, Victorian Secretary of the NTEU.

“Victoria University staff are shocked by the announcement on Friday of the largest ever mass redundancy in Australia’s higher education sector. The Vice-Chancellor has shown disregard for staff and for students in slashing 250 jobs, and staff are fed up with this arrogance.”

“In troubled economic times, job security is an important issue for staff at universities, many of whom are forced onto short-term contracts or only given casual positions. The NTEU is seeking a collective agreement that would increase rights for casual staff and put limitations on the use of contracts. It is disappointing that rather than negotiate in good faith, the Vice-Chancellor and her negotiating team have decided to engage in mass sackings.
“Such a large number of job losses can only mean increased workloads for remaining staff.”

“This decision by the Vice-Chancellor is a serious blow to higher education opportunities for students from the Western Suburbs. There is no doubt that student services will be affected, and diversity of courses will reduce.”

“Staff at VU have been left with no other choice but to take industrial action. The Vice-Chancellor and senior management have consistently failed to negotiate seriously, and have refused to treat the bargaining process with respect.”

“Victoria University’s Vice-Chancellor can turn this around by coming to the negotiating table in good faith, and give up her reckless and derisory attitude towards collective bargaining and staff.”