VIC UNI STAFF OVERWHELMINGLY VOTE IN FAVOUR OF INDUSTRIAL ACTION
MEDIA RELEASE
28 November 2008
Victoria University staff have voted to take protected industrial action to secure a collective agreement and protect quality of teaching, following the largest round of targeted redundancies in Australian university history.
“The initial reports indicate that over 98 percent of NTEU members have voted to take protected industrial action,” said Matthew McGowan, Victorian Secretary of the NTEU.
“This result in this vote is a overwhelming rebuke of the Vice-Chancellor and the senior management behind her and follows on from an NTEU survey conducted over the past fortnight that showed over 80 percent of surveyed staff had no confidence in the Vice-Chancellor.”
“Staff are saying that they want respect from Vice-Chancellor Elizabeth Harman, rather than disdain and contempt,” he said.
The industrial action ballot authorises legal, protected industrial action, including work bans, bans on the transmission of student examination results, over-time bans and strike action.
“There is a strong feeling amongst Victoria University staff, and that has been reflected in the results we are seeing today. Elizabeth Harman needs to come to the bargaining table to genuinely negotiate. VU staff want job security and a restoration of lost conditions, but most of all they want respect,” said Mr McGowan.
“If the job cuts go through and the University refuses to negotiate a collective agreement, students at VU will be facing the worst student-teacher ratios in Australia. We are acting now to protect the quality of teaching and research at VU, as well as to ensure that students in the West receive the best possible education,” he said.
Victoria University NTEU members will be considering in the next few days what form of protected industrial action will be taken and when.
The Union will be meeting with the Vice-Chancellor this afternoon at 4pm in an attempt to get the University to engage in genuine negotiation.
For more information:
Matthew McGowan
State Secretary, NTEU Victorian Division
0417 054 110
Richard Gough
President, Victoria University NTEU Branch
0418 102 547
http://www.nteu.org.au/news/current/untitled_2
29 November 2008
26 November 2008
Petition
PETITION
We, the undersigned, are a concerned group of people who respectively urge Ms Elizabeth Harman, the Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, to act now to support and guarantee the future of the Social Work Unit at St Albans Campus, Victoria University.
The Social Work Unit needs the continued support from University management to be able to provide quality education & training for social work students in the Western metropolitan area. The Social Work Unit has developed and maintained strong links and partnerships with labour force providers in the Western region and broader community. It is paramount that the University retains the Bachelor of Social Work course to be able to meet the ever growing and diverse needs of the community.
The VU Social Work Unit education and training, exemplifies the philosophical principles of social justice, equality, anti-oppression, client self - determination and empowerment.
The Social Work Unit needs the continued support from University management to be able to provide quality education & training for social work students in the Western metropolitan area. The Social Work Unit has developed and maintained strong links and partnerships with labour force providers in the Western region and broader community. It is paramount that the University retains the Bachelor of Social Work course to be able to meet the ever growing and diverse needs of the community.
The VU Social Work Unit education and training, exemplifies the philosophical principles of social justice, equality, anti-oppression, client self - determination and empowerment.
Mary Hutchinson
Western Region
Social Worker: ISIS Primary Care.
mlouhutchinson@optusnet.com.au
mary.hutchinson@vu.edu.au
Maree Corbo
Western Region
Djerriwarrh Health services
Social worker/Counsellor:
mareeco@djhs.org.au
Western Region
Social Worker: ISIS Primary Care.
mlouhutchinson@optusnet.com.au
mary.hutchinson@vu.edu.au
Maree Corbo
Western Region
Djerriwarrh Health services
Social worker/Counsellor:
mareeco@djhs.org.au
*******************************************************************************************************************
If you support this petition and would like to add your name to the petition please send an email to Mary mlouhutchinson@optusnet.com.au / mary.hutchinson@vu.edu.au or Maree mareeco@djhs.org.au and let them know. Please include
Your Full name
Region, Occupation, Organization - Optional
Email address
Brief Comment - Optional
Date
Mary & Maree will collate all the names present the petition to the Vice Chancellor, Liz Harman.
*******************************************************************************************************************
Support from former students of VU
I received this very encouraging email from Maree, a former student of VU Social Work Unit informing me about a petition she and other former students have started.
Maree has given me permission to blog their petition. Following is an extract of her letter...
We just wanted to give you a bit of a heads up about what we as alumni are up too. We received notice last week that the future of the social work unit, while reasonably secure is by no no means out of the woods. My former student colleague and I decided that we could get a petition going around the various networks that we work in and hopefully present a petition to the vice chancellor. As you could imagine Liz Harman will not like to get on the wrong side of the community that supports the university and are hopeful that she may listen to our concerns.
Cheers
Maree Corbo
Counsellor Coordinator of Men's Faxback
Melton, Caroline Springs and Bacchus Marsh
Djerriwarrh Health Services
Cnr High & Yuille Sts
Melton Vic 3337
mareeco@djhs.org.au
Maree has given me permission to blog their petition. Following is an extract of her letter...
We just wanted to give you a bit of a heads up about what we as alumni are up too. We received notice last week that the future of the social work unit, while reasonably secure is by no no means out of the woods. My former student colleague and I decided that we could get a petition going around the various networks that we work in and hopefully present a petition to the vice chancellor. As you could imagine Liz Harman will not like to get on the wrong side of the community that supports the university and are hopeful that she may listen to our concerns.
Cheers
Maree Corbo
Counsellor Coordinator of Men's Faxback
Melton, Caroline Springs and Bacchus Marsh
Djerriwarrh Health Services
Cnr High & Yuille Sts
Melton Vic 3337
mareeco@djhs.org.au
Friends of Victoria University – Statement of Intent
Friends of Victoria University – Statement of Intent
Introduction
Friends of Victoria University was formed on 19 November 2008 to represent the interests of communities served by Victoria University. It is comprised of community members from the Western Suburbs, as well as staff, students and alumni at Victoria University.
Background
Friends of VU formed following the announcement by the Vice-Chancellor of sudden campus closures in Melton and Sunbury, and the forced redundancies of over 270 staff. This decision undermines the original purpose of VU.
Vision
Friends of VU will work to ensure the original vision of Victoria University is maintained: to have a university to serve the Western Suburbs of Melbourne, to provide higher education opportunities to students from the western suburbs.
To this end we will seek to uphold those principals outlined in section 6 of the Victoria University of Technology Act 1990, in particular objects 6 (i), (j) and (k).
6. Objects of the University
The objects of the University include-
(a) the development of an institution with excellence in teaching, training, research and scholarship, with particular emphasis on technological development and applications of knowledge;
(b) the provision of high quality educational, research, residential, social, recreational, sporting and other facilities;
(c) the promotion, advancement and transmission of knowledge and its practical application by research and other means, the dissemination by various means of the outcomes of research and the commercial exploitation of the results of that research;
(ca) to promote critical enquiry within the university and in the general community;
(d) the provision of a wide range of programs and courses of study in post-secondary education, including courses of instruction or training relevant to a trade or other skilled occupation and facilitation of articulation between programs;
(e) the participation in commercial ventures and activities;
(ea) the conduct of teaching, research, consultancy and development activities within and outside Australia;
(f) the fostering of the general welfare and development of all enrolled students;
(g) the conferring of prescribed degrees and the granting of prescribed diplomas, certificates and other awards;
(h) the offering of opportunities for development and further training to teaching and other staff of the university;
(i) the development and provision of educational, cultural, professional, technical and vocational services to the community and in particular the fostering of participation in post-secondary education for persons living or working in the Western Metropolitan Region of Melbourne;
(j) the provision of programs and services in ways which reflect principles of equity and social justice;
(k) generally the development and carrying on of a university providing such appropriate and accessible academic and other programs, courses of study and research activity as the Council considers necessary for the attainment of the foregoing within Victoria and elsewhere.
Aims
Friends of VU will work to pursue the short-term interests of VU to ensure that the integrity of VU’s mission is not undermined. It will also work to ensure VU’s long-term interests by supporting efforts to improve VU’s profile and funding.
Friends of VU is politically unaligned, and works solely for the interests of the communities, staff, students and alumni of Victoria University.
Action
Friends of VU will engage in a wide range of activities to represent the communities served by VU, including:
§ Community meetings;
§ Publishing fact sheets and newsletters;
§ Preparing submissions for Government Inquiries or funding processes:
§ Issuing media statements;
§ Lobbying the Vice-Chancellor, University Council, Deans, heads of schools and other leaders of Victoria University;
§ Lobbying local, state and federal government; and
§ Working with staff and student unions.
Introduction
Friends of Victoria University was formed on 19 November 2008 to represent the interests of communities served by Victoria University. It is comprised of community members from the Western Suburbs, as well as staff, students and alumni at Victoria University.
Background
Friends of VU formed following the announcement by the Vice-Chancellor of sudden campus closures in Melton and Sunbury, and the forced redundancies of over 270 staff. This decision undermines the original purpose of VU.
Vision
Friends of VU will work to ensure the original vision of Victoria University is maintained: to have a university to serve the Western Suburbs of Melbourne, to provide higher education opportunities to students from the western suburbs.
To this end we will seek to uphold those principals outlined in section 6 of the Victoria University of Technology Act 1990, in particular objects 6 (i), (j) and (k).
6. Objects of the University
The objects of the University include-
(a) the development of an institution with excellence in teaching, training, research and scholarship, with particular emphasis on technological development and applications of knowledge;
(b) the provision of high quality educational, research, residential, social, recreational, sporting and other facilities;
(c) the promotion, advancement and transmission of knowledge and its practical application by research and other means, the dissemination by various means of the outcomes of research and the commercial exploitation of the results of that research;
(ca) to promote critical enquiry within the university and in the general community;
(d) the provision of a wide range of programs and courses of study in post-secondary education, including courses of instruction or training relevant to a trade or other skilled occupation and facilitation of articulation between programs;
(e) the participation in commercial ventures and activities;
(ea) the conduct of teaching, research, consultancy and development activities within and outside Australia;
(f) the fostering of the general welfare and development of all enrolled students;
(g) the conferring of prescribed degrees and the granting of prescribed diplomas, certificates and other awards;
(h) the offering of opportunities for development and further training to teaching and other staff of the university;
(i) the development and provision of educational, cultural, professional, technical and vocational services to the community and in particular the fostering of participation in post-secondary education for persons living or working in the Western Metropolitan Region of Melbourne;
(j) the provision of programs and services in ways which reflect principles of equity and social justice;
(k) generally the development and carrying on of a university providing such appropriate and accessible academic and other programs, courses of study and research activity as the Council considers necessary for the attainment of the foregoing within Victoria and elsewhere.
Aims
Friends of VU will work to pursue the short-term interests of VU to ensure that the integrity of VU’s mission is not undermined. It will also work to ensure VU’s long-term interests by supporting efforts to improve VU’s profile and funding.
Friends of VU is politically unaligned, and works solely for the interests of the communities, staff, students and alumni of Victoria University.
Action
Friends of VU will engage in a wide range of activities to represent the communities served by VU, including:
§ Community meetings;
§ Publishing fact sheets and newsletters;
§ Preparing submissions for Government Inquiries or funding processes:
§ Issuing media statements;
§ Lobbying the Vice-Chancellor, University Council, Deans, heads of schools and other leaders of Victoria University;
§ Lobbying local, state and federal government; and
§ Working with staff and student unions.
22 November 2008
Lionel Newman: Project Manager's update
Project Manager's update on outcomes of initial consultation phase
The consultation period in respect of the measures outlined in the Vice Chancellor's 17 October announcement 'Course Rationalisation, Staff Redundancies and Financial Sustainability' concluded 14 November.
Staff feedback was received via a broad range of consultative mediums. Feedback received included both opposition and support for the measures, concerns about possible course closures, and suggested strategies to mitigate potential redundancies. Strategies staff felt should be considered included more effective utilisation of our existing teaching capacities, a reduction in the use of sessional, contract and casual staff, and alternative separation strategies, such as voluntary redundancies, pre-retirement contracts and a voluntary early retirement scheme.
Feedback from staff has been considered and the University is committed to mitigating the impact of possible redundancies by reducing its use of non permanent staff where appropriate. The extent to which we can do so will be determined by the skills and experience required to deliver our continuing educational programs.
The feasibility of offering alternative separation options is currently being examined by our HR department and agreed measures will be announced as part of detailed Change Plans for the three categories of staff, HE Academics, VE/FE teachers and General staff. Timings are set out below.
Higher Education Change program
Further work is being conducted over the next few weeks to determine non viable HE courses and units, the HE academic positions that maybe excess to requirement, and the mitigation strategies. It is the University's intention to announce these details in a HE Academic Change Plan in early December.
The planned timeline is to:·
The process of identifying savings in VE and FE has also commenced and is examining both the viability of courses and units and the effective use of existing resources. We expect to have a clearer indication of the proposed savings measures by mid- December.
Meetings are planned with the managers of corporate and support services in early December to discuss the principles and processes to be used in determining the scope of savings measures for General staff.
A benchmarking exercise will also be conducted to identify better practice in the field of corporate support structures to inform decision making processes.
More information on change plans for VE/FE and General staff will be announced over the next few weeks.
Lionel Newman
Project Manager
The consultation period in respect of the measures outlined in the Vice Chancellor's 17 October announcement 'Course Rationalisation, Staff Redundancies and Financial Sustainability' concluded 14 November.
Staff feedback was received via a broad range of consultative mediums. Feedback received included both opposition and support for the measures, concerns about possible course closures, and suggested strategies to mitigate potential redundancies. Strategies staff felt should be considered included more effective utilisation of our existing teaching capacities, a reduction in the use of sessional, contract and casual staff, and alternative separation strategies, such as voluntary redundancies, pre-retirement contracts and a voluntary early retirement scheme.
Feedback from staff has been considered and the University is committed to mitigating the impact of possible redundancies by reducing its use of non permanent staff where appropriate. The extent to which we can do so will be determined by the skills and experience required to deliver our continuing educational programs.
The feasibility of offering alternative separation options is currently being examined by our HR department and agreed measures will be announced as part of detailed Change Plans for the three categories of staff, HE Academics, VE/FE teachers and General staff. Timings are set out below.
Higher Education Change program
Further work is being conducted over the next few weeks to determine non viable HE courses and units, the HE academic positions that maybe excess to requirement, and the mitigation strategies. It is the University's intention to announce these details in a HE Academic Change Plan in early December.
The planned timeline is to:·
- Advise all staff on 8 December which HE courses and units are proposed to be discontinued.·
- Begin a two week consultation process from 8 December to further discuss proposed course and unit changes.
- Advise affected academic staff from 8 December in writing, and wherever possible in person, of the intention to make their position excess to requirement.
- Undertake a two week consultation process with affected staff from 8 December to discuss mitigation strategies and the available separation options that apply to them.
- Advise staff of the outcomes of consultation processes relating to both courses and units and staff redundancies.
The process of identifying savings in VE and FE has also commenced and is examining both the viability of courses and units and the effective use of existing resources. We expect to have a clearer indication of the proposed savings measures by mid- December.
Meetings are planned with the managers of corporate and support services in early December to discuss the principles and processes to be used in determining the scope of savings measures for General staff.
A benchmarking exercise will also be conducted to identify better practice in the field of corporate support structures to inform decision making processes.
More information on change plans for VE/FE and General staff will be announced over the next few weeks.
Lionel Newman
Project Manager
Vice-Chancellor's Video Blog
This is a video message from VU Vice-Chancellor Liz Harman
Dear colleagues,
Recognising this is a period of great uncertainty and stress, I speak to you for five minutes in today's VOD. Please be patient as the file is large and will take about 20 seconds to load.
http://tls.vu.edu.au/vcblog/index.html
(If the above link does not open directly from your email, please cut and paste the link directly into your web browser).
An update on the current status of the Course and Staffing initiative from the Project Manager follows below. (Note from blogger: Im blogging it separately. Check next blog)
Regards,
Liz Harman.
21 November 2008
FRIENDS OF VICTORIA UNIVERSITY
MEDIA RELEASE
19 November 2008
FRIENDS OF VICTORIA UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY GROUP FORMS
Friends of Victoria University officially formed tonight following the University's controversial campus closures and job cuts.
Raoul Wainwright and Broden Borg were elected as inaugural co-convenors.
Friends of Victoria University is a broad coalition of community members in the West, including Melton, Sunbury, Werribee and Footscray, as well as staff and students.
"There is a great deal of concern out in the community about the direction that Victoria University is headed," said Raoul Wainwright, a resident of Yarraville.
"Friends of Victoria University will hold Victoria University accountable to the original vision of a community university that serves the West. Victoria University needs to show that it is still committed to the West," he said.
Broden Borg, a resident of Melton, one of the communities that will be affected by Victoria University's campus closures said: "Victoria University has held a central role in Melton and the West. We are very disappointed that the University management has decided to close Melton and Sunbury without consulting the communities."
"In the long-term, we hope that we will be able to work cooperatively with the University senior management. In the short-term however, we want senior management to know how valuable and loved VU is in the community – something they seem to have forgotten at the moment," said Mr. Wainwright.
Friends of Victoria University endorsed the National Tertiary Education Union's campaign promoting job security and collective bargaining.
For more information contact:
Friends of VU co-convenors
Raoul Wainwright
Broden Borg
Note: When the contact info is available I will update it.
19 November 2008
FRIENDS OF VICTORIA UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY GROUP FORMS
Friends of Victoria University officially formed tonight following the University's controversial campus closures and job cuts.
Raoul Wainwright and Broden Borg were elected as inaugural co-convenors.
Friends of Victoria University is a broad coalition of community members in the West, including Melton, Sunbury, Werribee and Footscray, as well as staff and students.
"There is a great deal of concern out in the community about the direction that Victoria University is headed," said Raoul Wainwright, a resident of Yarraville.
"Friends of Victoria University will hold Victoria University accountable to the original vision of a community university that serves the West. Victoria University needs to show that it is still committed to the West," he said.
Broden Borg, a resident of Melton, one of the communities that will be affected by Victoria University's campus closures said: "Victoria University has held a central role in Melton and the West. We are very disappointed that the University management has decided to close Melton and Sunbury without consulting the communities."
"In the long-term, we hope that we will be able to work cooperatively with the University senior management. In the short-term however, we want senior management to know how valuable and loved VU is in the community – something they seem to have forgotten at the moment," said Mr. Wainwright.
Friends of Victoria University endorsed the National Tertiary Education Union's campaign promoting job security and collective bargaining.
For more information contact:
Friends of VU co-convenors
Raoul Wainwright
Broden Borg
Note: When the contact info is available I will update it.
Protest over more Victorian universities job cuts
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24676219-12332,00.html
Andrew Trounson November 20, 2008
Article from: The Australian
an extract... for full article click on the above link
INDUSTRIAL unrest at Victorian universities is set to worsen after La Trobe University warned staff that voluntary job cuts weren't meeting targets, raising the prospect of compulsory layoffs.
In response the National Tertiary Education Union has accused the university of accelerating the pace of previously announced savings targets.
Today hundreds of university staff across the Victorian sector will hold a public protest in Melbourne. The NTEU has accused vice-chancellors of acting prematurely in seeking to cut jobs when a funding boost from Canberra is expected following the release of the Bradley Review next month.
Over 470 administrative and academic jobs are on the block in Victoria as universities get squeezed by chronic government under-funding with indexation at only half the inflation rate.
Tumbling investment income is also set to hit well-endowed institutions, while growth in offshore student revenue is expected to slow.
But the NTEU is angry that universities are choosing to cut staff while still funding instrastructure expansions.
"In an environment when we are expecting increased funding from the federal government, the moves to cut staff is premature,"
At Victoria University vice chancellor Liz Harman is facing a revolt over job cuts with the NTEU set to strike next month after the job cut soured stalled enterprise bargaining talks.
Andrew Trounson November 20, 2008
Article from: The Australian
an extract... for full article click on the above link
INDUSTRIAL unrest at Victorian universities is set to worsen after La Trobe University warned staff that voluntary job cuts weren't meeting targets, raising the prospect of compulsory layoffs.
In response the National Tertiary Education Union has accused the university of accelerating the pace of previously announced savings targets.
Today hundreds of university staff across the Victorian sector will hold a public protest in Melbourne. The NTEU has accused vice-chancellors of acting prematurely in seeking to cut jobs when a funding boost from Canberra is expected following the release of the Bradley Review next month.
Over 470 administrative and academic jobs are on the block in Victoria as universities get squeezed by chronic government under-funding with indexation at only half the inflation rate.
Tumbling investment income is also set to hit well-endowed institutions, while growth in offshore student revenue is expected to slow.
But the NTEU is angry that universities are choosing to cut staff while still funding instrastructure expansions.
"In an environment when we are expecting increased funding from the federal government, the moves to cut staff is premature,"
At Victoria University vice chancellor Liz Harman is facing a revolt over job cuts with the NTEU set to strike next month after the job cut soured stalled enterprise bargaining talks.
NTEU Media Release 20 Nov 2008
UNIVERSITY STAFF DEMAND MORE INVESTMENT,
HALT TO SACKINGS
MEDIA RELEASE
20 November 2008
Over 80% of staff in Victorian Universities believe that the sector is underfunded, and while a similar percentage of academic staff expressed the view that educational quality has suffered from funding limitations. These findings are part of a survey of University staff conducted by the National Tertiary Education Union over the past 2 weeks.
University staff from around Victoria will be rallying today calling on the Federal Government to turn around the decade long decline in public funding to universities and to call on universities to suspend any redundancies and job cuts until after the outcomes of the Bradley Review have been announced.
“It is about respect” said Matthew McGowan, Secretary of the NTEU Victorian Division. “After over a decade of hostility from the Howard Government, some universities have forgotten what collegiality means. Universities should be demonstrating best practice in employee management, not worst practice.”
The NTEU survey measured staff attitudes towards university management, Federal Government funding and the Bradley Review. The survey of over 3,300 staff found that most staff believe that:
Universities have become worse places to work over the past two years;
Funding limitations has negatively affected the quality of education at universities;
Universities are more concerned about gaining income than on outcomes for students;
Vice-Chancellors and senior management do not respect or value university staff; and
Universities should wait until after the Bradley Review is completed before making staff cuts.
“The Federal Government is also on notice. Universities are in dire need of increased public funding to undo the damage that has left Australia as one of the worst investors in higher education in the OECD,” he said.
Rally details
Today, Thursday 20 November, 11am
Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St, CBD
For more information
Alex White, NTEU Communications Officer, 0403 694 397, awhite@vic.nteu.org.au
HALT TO SACKINGS
MEDIA RELEASE
20 November 2008
Over 80% of staff in Victorian Universities believe that the sector is underfunded, and while a similar percentage of academic staff expressed the view that educational quality has suffered from funding limitations. These findings are part of a survey of University staff conducted by the National Tertiary Education Union over the past 2 weeks.
University staff from around Victoria will be rallying today calling on the Federal Government to turn around the decade long decline in public funding to universities and to call on universities to suspend any redundancies and job cuts until after the outcomes of the Bradley Review have been announced.
“It is about respect” said Matthew McGowan, Secretary of the NTEU Victorian Division. “After over a decade of hostility from the Howard Government, some universities have forgotten what collegiality means. Universities should be demonstrating best practice in employee management, not worst practice.”
The NTEU survey measured staff attitudes towards university management, Federal Government funding and the Bradley Review. The survey of over 3,300 staff found that most staff believe that:
Universities have become worse places to work over the past two years;
Funding limitations has negatively affected the quality of education at universities;
Universities are more concerned about gaining income than on outcomes for students;
Vice-Chancellors and senior management do not respect or value university staff; and
Universities should wait until after the Bradley Review is completed before making staff cuts.
“The Federal Government is also on notice. Universities are in dire need of increased public funding to undo the damage that has left Australia as one of the worst investors in higher education in the OECD,” he said.
Rally details
Today, Thursday 20 November, 11am
Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St, CBD
For more information
Alex White, NTEU Communications Officer, 0403 694 397, awhite@vic.nteu.org.au
VU quashes student accommodation rumours
http://www.vu.edu.au/About_VU/Media_Releases/VU_quashes_student_accommodation_rumours/indexdl_94435.aspx
Media Release
18 November 2008
Victoria University's Pro Vice Chancellor - Students, Mr Stephen Weller, said today that he was outraged about malicious rumours surrounding the future of student accommodation at Victoria University.
He said: "I can categorically state that students residing at Sunbury Hall and the Student Village in Maribyrnong have absolutely no need to worry about where they are going to live."
"Contrary to spiteful and inaccurate speculation, there has been no decision made in relation to the future of accommodation at Maribyrnong. In the case of the future of accommodation at Sunbury - that will be determined in parallel with decisions around the future of that campus - but at this stage we expect no changes to occur until at least the end of 2010."
"Recent assertions have caused distress to students living at these residences and this is unconscionable."
"VU is looking to increase the amount of accommodation available to students in the vicinity of its campuses, and to that end in July we sought expressions of interest for the provision and management of accommodation from potential, financiers developers and operators. We have had more than twenty expressions of interest and these are under consideration."
"The University provides accommodation for 500 students at Maribyrnong and 120 students at Sunbury."
"Far from cutting back on accommodation, the University has recently taken a head lease of a development of some 60 units on Ballarat Road."
"We want to set students minds at rest in relation to accommodation at Sunbury Hall and the Student Village at Maribyrnong."
"For the students who are living in the University's student accommodation, I want to make it absolutely clear that we have no plans to make any changes to accommodation arrangements and no one will end up without a roof over their head."
Media Contacts:
Ms Christine White, Media Manager,Marketing & Communications Department, Victoria UniversityPh: (03) 9919 4322; mobile: 0434 602 884
Andy Gash, Snr. Media OfficerMarketing and Communications Department, Victoria UniversityPh: (03) 9919 4950; mobile: 0411 255 900
Media Release
18 November 2008
Victoria University's Pro Vice Chancellor - Students, Mr Stephen Weller, said today that he was outraged about malicious rumours surrounding the future of student accommodation at Victoria University.
He said: "I can categorically state that students residing at Sunbury Hall and the Student Village in Maribyrnong have absolutely no need to worry about where they are going to live."
"Contrary to spiteful and inaccurate speculation, there has been no decision made in relation to the future of accommodation at Maribyrnong. In the case of the future of accommodation at Sunbury - that will be determined in parallel with decisions around the future of that campus - but at this stage we expect no changes to occur until at least the end of 2010."
"Recent assertions have caused distress to students living at these residences and this is unconscionable."
"VU is looking to increase the amount of accommodation available to students in the vicinity of its campuses, and to that end in July we sought expressions of interest for the provision and management of accommodation from potential, financiers developers and operators. We have had more than twenty expressions of interest and these are under consideration."
"The University provides accommodation for 500 students at Maribyrnong and 120 students at Sunbury."
"Far from cutting back on accommodation, the University has recently taken a head lease of a development of some 60 units on Ballarat Road."
"We want to set students minds at rest in relation to accommodation at Sunbury Hall and the Student Village at Maribyrnong."
"For the students who are living in the University's student accommodation, I want to make it absolutely clear that we have no plans to make any changes to accommodation arrangements and no one will end up without a roof over their head."
Media Contacts:
Ms Christine White, Media Manager,Marketing & Communications Department, Victoria UniversityPh: (03) 9919 4322; mobile: 0434 602 884
Andy Gash, Snr. Media OfficerMarketing and Communications Department, Victoria UniversityPh: (03) 9919 4950; mobile: 0411 255 900
Victoria Uni closure rally
http://moorabool-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/victoria-uni-closure-rally/
Moorabool Leader
Local News
13 Nov 08 @ 11:00am by Billy Crossland
ABOUT 50 students, staff and community members have rallied against the closure of Victoria University’s Melton Campus. The protest at the campus on Thursday followed public outcry over VU’s decision to close it and the Sunbury campus.
It was organised by education student Broden Borg, who addressed the crowd.
“The decision by VU to close this university has seen them fail in their commitment to provide tertiary education to the west,” he said. “The (university) council has put an economic rationalist need ahead of the community of Melton’s need.”
Certificate three disability student Cloie Robinson finished her course this year, hoping to go on to higher studies. But said she was having second thoughts. “Some people can’t afford to get into the city and this campus is bringing money down here and bringing more people to this area,” she said.
The protest was also attended by several members of the National Tertiary Education Union.
The union’s VU branch president, Richard Gough, said he was concerned about the future of sacked staff and the impact of the closure on the region.
“Obviously these campuses are part of a growing region of Melbourne and we think they have a future,” he said. “As part of our protest and our concerns we are here to support people in the Melton community as well as our members.”
VU has said the campus was not attracting students, operated at a higher cost per student than bigger campuses and was unlikely to reach a viable size by 2031.
Moorabool Council has condemned the decision and is calling on VU to extend courses offered at the campuses.
Moorabool Leader
Local News
13 Nov 08 @ 11:00am by Billy Crossland
ABOUT 50 students, staff and community members have rallied against the closure of Victoria University’s Melton Campus. The protest at the campus on Thursday followed public outcry over VU’s decision to close it and the Sunbury campus.
It was organised by education student Broden Borg, who addressed the crowd.
“The decision by VU to close this university has seen them fail in their commitment to provide tertiary education to the west,” he said. “The (university) council has put an economic rationalist need ahead of the community of Melton’s need.”
Certificate three disability student Cloie Robinson finished her course this year, hoping to go on to higher studies. But said she was having second thoughts. “Some people can’t afford to get into the city and this campus is bringing money down here and bringing more people to this area,” she said.
The protest was also attended by several members of the National Tertiary Education Union.
The union’s VU branch president, Richard Gough, said he was concerned about the future of sacked staff and the impact of the closure on the region.
“Obviously these campuses are part of a growing region of Melbourne and we think they have a future,” he said. “As part of our protest and our concerns we are here to support people in the Melton community as well as our members.”
VU has said the campus was not attracting students, operated at a higher cost per student than bigger campuses and was unlikely to reach a viable size by 2031.
Moorabool Council has condemned the decision and is calling on VU to extend courses offered at the campuses.
16 November 2008
SPECIAL VU COUNCIL BRIEFING – 17 NOV 2008
"MORE CLASSES NOT MORE CUTS!"
[non-violent protest]
Agenda: “Courses and Redundancies”
Date: Monday 17 November 2008
Time: Meet at 5pm (5:30pm Council Meeting Begins)
Place: VU Footscray Park Campus - 227 Ballarat Road
Council Chamber, Level 6, Building K
On Monday 17 November, Victoria University Council will again be meeting to vote on the sacking proposal, campus shut downs and the relocation of student housing. A staff, student and friends of VU 'welcoming committee' has been set up to 'welcome' Council members before the meeting in the hope of it persuading members to vote against the proposals. Student support and solidarity on Monday is very much needed as it may just provide a back-bone to some members and apply some more public pressure to VU management.
For more information write to VU Student Action Group vu_sag@yahoo.com
If you are interested in attending the Council's meeting as an observer, please contact Lyn Duffy to request for an Observer's Pass: Lyn.Duffy@vu.edu.au
[non-violent protest]
Agenda: “Courses and Redundancies”
Date: Monday 17 November 2008
Time: Meet at 5pm (5:30pm Council Meeting Begins)
Place: VU Footscray Park Campus - 227 Ballarat Road
Council Chamber, Level 6, Building K
On Monday 17 November, Victoria University Council will again be meeting to vote on the sacking proposal, campus shut downs and the relocation of student housing. A staff, student and friends of VU 'welcoming committee' has been set up to 'welcome' Council members before the meeting in the hope of it persuading members to vote against the proposals. Student support and solidarity on Monday is very much needed as it may just provide a back-bone to some members and apply some more public pressure to VU management.
For more information write to VU Student Action Group vu_sag@yahoo.com
If you are interested in attending the Council's meeting as an observer, please contact Lyn Duffy to request for an Observer's Pass: Lyn.Duffy@vu.edu.au
14 November 2008
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
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
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.
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.
12 November 2008
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
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
10 November 2008
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!
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!
08 November 2008
NTEU Members' Meeting 6 November 2008
NTEU Members' Meeting 6 November 2008
Members attending the meeting at Footscray Park on 6 November 2008 passed the following motions unanimously;
Motion 1
That this meeting notes with anger and dismay:
1) the University management’s determination to see through the largest redundancy program in Australian university history.
2) that the redundancies, combined with course cutbacks, campus closures, car-parking changes, and management’s failure to enter seriously into a Collective Bargaining Agreement with its staff, have done great harm to the University’s reputation. They will do even greater harm to its reputation in the months to come.
3) for the University management’s failure to manage the University’s resources in a way that could avoid this scale of trauma. Senior management should be held accountable. We note that no senior managers will take a pay-cut, much less a job-cut, for their ineptitude. What is more, we remain profoundly skeptical about management’s motives in launching this program of redundancies.
Motion 2
That this meeting reaffirms the five motions passed unanimously by 350 VU staff at a meeting on 21 October 2008. In particular, we reaffirm our commitment to taking industrial action in pursuit of a Collective Agreement that would protect VU staff against such mistreatment by management in the future, should that be necessary.
Motion 3
That this meeting endorses the Union’s recommendation to pursue disputes over section 65 ‘Organisational Change’ of the current Enterprise Agreement. We shall take up these disputes ourselves, and we call on our colleagues also to take up these disputes.
Motion 4
That this meeting endorses the Union’s community campaign of engaging local politicians, media, and others with the scale of management failure of this crucial community asset for Melbourne’s greater western region.
Members attending the meeting at Footscray Park on 6 November 2008 passed the following motions unanimously;
Motion 1
That this meeting notes with anger and dismay:
1) the University management’s determination to see through the largest redundancy program in Australian university history.
2) that the redundancies, combined with course cutbacks, campus closures, car-parking changes, and management’s failure to enter seriously into a Collective Bargaining Agreement with its staff, have done great harm to the University’s reputation. They will do even greater harm to its reputation in the months to come.
3) for the University management’s failure to manage the University’s resources in a way that could avoid this scale of trauma. Senior management should be held accountable. We note that no senior managers will take a pay-cut, much less a job-cut, for their ineptitude. What is more, we remain profoundly skeptical about management’s motives in launching this program of redundancies.
Motion 2
That this meeting reaffirms the five motions passed unanimously by 350 VU staff at a meeting on 21 October 2008. In particular, we reaffirm our commitment to taking industrial action in pursuit of a Collective Agreement that would protect VU staff against such mistreatment by management in the future, should that be necessary.
Motion 3
That this meeting endorses the Union’s recommendation to pursue disputes over section 65 ‘Organisational Change’ of the current Enterprise Agreement. We shall take up these disputes ourselves, and we call on our colleagues also to take up these disputes.
Motion 4
That this meeting endorses the Union’s community campaign of engaging local politicians, media, and others with the scale of management failure of this crucial community asset for Melbourne’s greater western region.
NTEU Public Meeting 6 Nov - Update
Motions from community meeting on 6 November in support of VU staff
A well attended community meeting in Footscray heard from members of staff and students at Victoria University, and from Labor and Greens members of Parliament, on the concocted crisis at Victoria University and passed the following motions:
1. That this meeting calls on Victoria University to:Immediately stop its plans to cut 20% of education courses and sack 270 staff which will have a negative effect on higher education, the western region community and students who attend Victoria University.Halt campus closures until affected communities have had adequate time to review these decisions and have real input into the decisions which will have an impact on tertiary education in their area.Consider a wider range of sustainable alternatives to the present course of action that trades buildings for core education services and jobs.
2. That this meeting further calls on the Federal Government to provide improved funding to strengthen education services at Victoria University and repeal John Howard’s workchoices legislation.
3. That this meeting authorises the formation a Friends of Victoria University to lobby, support and take action to defend Victoria University as a valuable community asset for the west and the region.
4. That this meeting calls on Elizabeth Harman Vice Chancellor of Victoria University to resign immediately.
A well attended community meeting in Footscray heard from members of staff and students at Victoria University, and from Labor and Greens members of Parliament, on the concocted crisis at Victoria University and passed the following motions:
1. That this meeting calls on Victoria University to:Immediately stop its plans to cut 20% of education courses and sack 270 staff which will have a negative effect on higher education, the western region community and students who attend Victoria University.Halt campus closures until affected communities have had adequate time to review these decisions and have real input into the decisions which will have an impact on tertiary education in their area.Consider a wider range of sustainable alternatives to the present course of action that trades buildings for core education services and jobs.
2. That this meeting further calls on the Federal Government to provide improved funding to strengthen education services at Victoria University and repeal John Howard’s workchoices legislation.
3. That this meeting authorises the formation a Friends of Victoria University to lobby, support and take action to defend Victoria University as a valuable community asset for the west and the region.
4. That this meeting calls on Elizabeth Harman Vice Chancellor of Victoria University to resign immediately.
06 November 2008
Things we can do 10
Attend the Public Meeting organised by NTEU this evening
Time: 7.30 pm
Date: 6 Nov
Place: The Church Hall 10a Hyde street. Footscray (next to Town Hall)
What is the future of Victoria University?
Confirmed Speakers:
Dr James Doughney, President, NTEU Victorian Division
Hon Colleen Hartland, Greens MLC for Western Region
Leon Burger, President, VU Student Association
Joanne Duncan MP, (ALP) member for Macedon
Scott Jordan, VU Politics, History and Social Sciences Association
Time: 7.30 pm
Date: 6 Nov
Place: The Church Hall 10a Hyde street. Footscray (next to Town Hall)
What is the future of Victoria University?
Confirmed Speakers:
Dr James Doughney, President, NTEU Victorian Division
Hon Colleen Hartland, Greens MLC for Western Region
Leon Burger, President, VU Student Association
Joanne Duncan MP, (ALP) member for Macedon
Scott Jordan, VU Politics, History and Social Sciences Association
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