WORKING TOGETHER:
Update on Negotiations
10th August 2009
Since the 9th July 2009, the University and the NTEU have been meeting regularly according to an agreed Schedule of Meetings and an agreed process. Both parties have been diligently exchanging draft clauses prior to the meetings and the discussions have been productive and collegial. The parties have set a tentative deadline of 3rd September 2009 for all subject matter to be discussed.
There are still points of difference between the parties. The University's bargaining position has consistently been to negotiate the best possible terms and conditions for staff without impacting on the University's long term economic viability. The NTEU, however, have added further labour cost claims to their already substantial raft of high cost proposals. In this respect, the two parties positions are in direct contradiction. Notwithstanding this, there are some matters on which the parties have made significant ground in the discussions - especially in relation to performance management and academic workloads.
Although the negotiations have been constructive, the NTEU has notified the University that it will be taking further industrial action in the form of work stoppages on Tuesday 11th August 2009, Thursday 3rd September 2009 and Wednesday 16th September 2009. The University is surprised by this decision by the NTEU given the progress that has been made in negotiations.
The University remains committed to negotiating an enterprise agreement with the NTEU.