The University admitted to the Fair Work Ombudsman that it had underpaid casual staff between 2014 and 2021.

Following a presentation from the UTS NTEU bargaining team last Thursday, NTEU members “endorsed the in-principle new staff agreement,” said UTS Branch Director Dr Sarah Attfield.

Staff cuts en masse at UTS have exacerbated the ongoing casualisation crisis.

The Student Partnership Agreement is the “first of its kind at a NSW University”, although was described by councillors as being a watered down version of its demands.

In a protected action ballot yesterday, staff voted overwhelmingly to authorise any future action.

Staff at the two universities have voted in favour of strike action or a protected action ballot to demand better working conditions.

The UTSSA will not reaffiliate with the CISA (Council of International Students Australia) following accusations of inaction and a conservative leadership under Oscar Ong.

Woodward has also been barred from nominating or participating in future elections.

Management’s proposals continue UTS’ track record of austerity measures.

The latest cuts come on top of more than 350 voluntary redundancies at UTS last year.