WORKING TOGETHER
Update on Negotiations
7th September 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.
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 an indefinite work stoppage commencing from 3pm on Monday 7th September 2009 The University had scheduled an Enterprise Bargaining meeting with the NTEU on this day however this meeting has now been cancelled. The University and NTEU will recommence Enterprise Bargaining meetings once the indefinite strike is lifted.
The University remains committed to negotiating an enterprise agreement with the NTEU.