The University and the NTEU are now into the 20th month of negotiations for a new Enterprise Agreement, due to the University’s failure to meet the Union’s demands for fair pay and conditions.

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.

AHEIA advised universities to avoid being “roped in” to multi-employer bargaining, and encouraged universities to present pay offers to staff directly — rather than through unions.

University Management and unions representing staff have reached a partial in-principle agreement, with the University yet to agree to a pay rise above inflation and other union demands.

“The fact that staff have had to wait longer than is reasonable for a pay increase cannot be eliminated by flawed management rhetoric.”

UTAS staff collectively voted in support of the new agreement commencing from February 6.

Key demands include an end to casualisation and pay increases above inflation.

The WSU NTEU President said that staff have no choice but to move to industrial action.

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

Job security and the rationalisation of change processes are high on the agenda.