NTEU members in Business disciplines at Federation University who have been on indefinite strike since last Monday voted this morning to continue industrial action, now pivoting to a refusal to communicate course results to the university.
With course ratification and the submission of grades expected to take place at the beginning of next week, this action has the potential to cause significant disruption to university operations.
Union members have also voted to refuse to attend university events, a decision that stands to impact on the university’s Info Day taking place on December 13.
Staff members across Business programs will soon be releasing an open letter to the Vice Chancellor, the Chancellor, and every member of University Council, calling on the Vice Chancellor to pause the restructure currently aimed at staff and courses in the Institute for Innovation, Science, and Sustainability.
“There is a clear link between the terrible situation faced by staff in Business disciplines and the need to improve job security and change process provisions in the Enterprise Agreement,” said Dr. Mathew Abbott, President of the NTEU Branch at Federation University.
“The letter will request that the Vice Chancellor carry out a proper review of Business programs, involving staff expertise in the renewal of core offerings rather than resorting again to irrational cutting,” said Philip Taylor, Professor of Management at Federation University. “We have seen the university adopt this approach in relation to the Bachelor of Arts program, and we want to see a positive, proactive approach taken here too.”
This intensified industrial action from NTEU members in Business disciplines comes after all union members shut down Federation University’s campuses last week with strike action. Union members gathered at the Mt Helen campus to protest the University’s poor decision making, endless job cuts, and refusal to accept reasonable proposals at the Bargaining table.
“These union members in our Business programs continue to lead the way in standing up to irrational and unsustainable decision-making at Federation University,” Dr. Abbott said. “I congratulate them on their courage and determination to win better outcomes for staff and regional students.”
