Victoria University faces strike over staff cuts

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24646992-12332,00.html
The Australian
by Andrew Trounson November 13, 2008

VICTORIA University is facing strike action after the Industrial Relations Commission today approved the union's application to ballot members on a proposed industrial campaign over pay talks and job security.

Any strike will put pressure on VU vice-chancellor Elizabeth Harman whose plan to cut 270 jobs and close two of VU's smaller campuses in Melbourne's west has angered the union and concerned the Victorian Government.

"We are now on a fast-track to industrial action," NTEU Victorian president Jamie Doughney told The Australian.
The result of the ballot will be known by December 1, which Dr Doughney said is expected to be around the time VU starts issuing redundancy notices.

The strike move comes as the NTEU plans to rally in Melbourne on November 20 to protest what it sees as aggressive moves at some Victorian universities to cut staff and introduce new work arrangements. It is also aimed at highlighting to Canberra the funding needs of the sector.

"We want to send a signal to the federal Government about the desperate needs of the sector, and to the universities, that they have to start treating their staff with some respect," NTEU victorian secretary Matthew McGowan said.

for full article
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24646992-12332,00.html

PUBLIC RALLY 20 Nov

PUBLIC RALLY organised by NTEU

Date: Thursday 20 November
Time: 11am
Place: Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St, Melbourne CBD

Australia’s universities need to urgently invest in staff
University staff need job security, not job cuts

organised by NTEU. For more information check these websites
http://www.nteu.org.au/
http://www.nteu.org.au//bd/vu
www.universitybargaining.com.au

Friends of Victoria University

The first meeting of Friends of Victoria University

Date: Wednesday 19th November in
Time: 5.30 pm
Place: Room E102F (E Block) Footscray Park Campus,
Ballarat Road, Footscray
There is an entrance to Building E from Ballarat Road via ramps or a stairway.
E102F is on the bottom level of the building.

At the first meeting, it would be probably helpful to talk about the purpose of Friends of Victoria University and ways in which the group can help support the university, campuses, students and staff facing retrenchments.

Things we can do 11

Sent the PM an email regarding VU Staff cuts and how this goes against their Education Revolution and Social Inclusion policy.

This idea is from fellow student, Christine, who received the following email from our PM about his new website www.kevinpm.com.au. Thank you, Christine.

Dear Christine,
As a supporter of the Kevin07 campaign, I wanted you to be the first to hear about my new website: KevinPM.com.au

I'll be using the site to speak frankly with you about the big challenges facing Australia; the global economy, education, climate change, and the health of Australians, but just as importantly it will enable me to hear your ideas for the direction of the nation.

We'll also be posting video messages to the site - and here is a link to the first one: www.KevinPM.com.au There are also links to social network sites like MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and the photo-sharing website Flickr so you can participate in the democratic process in the way you feel most comfortable.

Please feel free to share the new site with your friends and colleagues. I look forward to talking with you through this new site.

Kevin Rudd

Support staff against cuts

“MAINTAIN YOUR RAGE” PARTY

Time: 4.00 -- 8.00pm
Date: Friday November 14
Place: Footscray Park Bowls Club
(corner Hoadley Court & Ballarat Road, adjacent to FP campus)
MC: Rod Quantock
Music: The Conch and Trish Anderson

Drinks at the bar, snacks provided
Staff, students, families and community welcome
Free admission
Organised by the VU NTEU Branch
VU MATTERS!