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The ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Tertiary Education is concerned Charles Darwin University’s latest pay offer fails to keep up with the soaring cost of living and strips away crucial rights for staff. CDU, which is an integral employer for Darwin, has offered staff pay rises below inflation and far less than comparable universities around Australia. Inflation in Darwin rose 7 per cent in the past year, according to the latest Consumer Price Index data. Meanwhile, CDU staff have gone 16 months without a pay rise. CDU recorded a $62 million surplus last year, up $20 million on the previous 12 months. Staff are due to vote on the offer in mid-November. The ballot does not have the Union’s support. The NTEU is also concerned the proposed agreement will remove redundancy and appeal rights for staff ahead of a looming restructure. There are real fears this could lead to a more corporatised structure that would fly in the face of CDU’s proud history serving the Darwin community. “Our message to staff is clear: make sure you have all the facts before making your mind up on how to vote,” NTEU NT President Darius Pfitzner said. “We’re calling on all CDU staff to visit our website and have a chat to our work place experts, so that staff can be fully informed about the offer before they vote. “We just want to ensure everyone is fully aware of what this means for living standards and working conditions. “The Union is seriously concerned about workers having less redundancy rights. And let’s not forget the Union hasn’t endorsed this agreement being put to members. “The University is on the record saying its huge surplus will be reinvested in staff. “So it’s crucial that pay rises keep up with the cost of living so staff can maintain their living standard at a bare minimum.”