University of Adelaide Branch
The NTEU's main aims are to represent, protect and assist
members in industrial matters at a national, state and
institutional level.
The University of Adelaide Branch has representatives on several
University committees and, importantly, is the major staff
representative in Enterprise Bargaining negotiations.
CHECK THE BARGAINING UPDATES FOR THE LATEST NEWS - THIS
IMPACTS ON YOU!!!
The University of Adelaide NTEU Branch Office provides members with easy access to industrial expertise from the Branch Office Staff who, because they work alongside members, intimately understand local issues and conditions of employment.
Join now and support your colleagues and yourself - click here
****PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW ADDRESS****
15 Paxton’s Walk
Palais Apartments
281 North Terrace
(Pedestrian walk way between Ayres House and the Palais Café - click here for more detail)
Mailing Address (will change shortly - watch this space):
NTEU
c/o University of Adelaide SA 5005
Email nteuadelaide@internode.on.net
Click here to see the photos of the Office Opening
- Bargaining Updates
- Branch Contacts
- Branch Committee
- Higher Education Review
- Events
- Our Universities Matter Campaign
- Collective Agreement Negotiations 2008
- Casual and Sessional Staff
- OHS&W
- E-Bulletins and Newsletters
- Agreements
- Membership Fees
- Membership Benefits
- Archive
Bargaining Updates
Good Faith Bargaining?????
A joint union/management collective bargaining meeting was held on 19 August 2008 and the NTEU was led to believe that a good faith bargaining process was underway. On 9 September, in order to assist with negotiations, the NTEU distributed to the university management bargaining group a comprehensive document of proposed clauses designed to restore and enhance your employment conditions and provide for competitive salary increases.
On September 16, while the NTEU negotiating team met with University Senior Management, an email was sent to all staff advising “that a new Collective Agreement is unlikely to be reached soon” due to “an extended period of uncertainty about the future funding and organisation of universities, at least until the 2009 Federal Budget.”
Senior Management’s “ongoing commitment to improving the terms and conditions of employment” is to offer a once off ”salary increase of 4.5% from 30 June 2009 to all staff covered by the Collective Agreement”.
Your Union is concerned that the outcome of this move for the staff of the University will be:
- no pay increase now – you will need to wait 9 months until June 2009 for an inadequate pay increase
- Your terms and conditions of employment will be maintained for the next 18-24 months at a level which is no longer appropriate nor required due to the legislative change (29 July 2008) which removed the Higher Education Workplace Relations Requirements from Guidelines and the legislative change (4 September 2008) expunging HEWRRs from the Higher Education Support Act 2003
Not surprisingly your feedback to us has shown that the staff of Adelaide University are also concerned by the level of disdain shown by the senior management to the negotiation process.
We asked: Have inadequate Managing Change provisions impacted on your working life?
87.04% of respondents agree that current Managing Change provisions are inadequate.
You said:
“Yes – severe loss in work conditions – heavily overloaded teaching and supervision. The increase in teaching load for an academic from 1999 to 2007 based on the officially available statistics of staff/student ratio from 1:14 to 1:20 represents an increase of 30%. At the same time the quality measures of publications and research in a research intensive university plus enrolments of non-English speaking international students has placed teaching/research/publishing staff under increased pressure. This workload is professionally unsustainable.”
and
“Happening as I write this. Making changes with no consultation until change has been agreed to by the Faculty, School, discipline and HR executives before we get a say. Too Late. Staff to be consulted with after duties and position ratified by management & HR. Wrong.”
We also asked:Are you concerrned by the impacts of the increase in staff on Fixed term contracts?
95.9% or respondents said they were concerned about the impacts of the increase in the number of staff now on fixed term contracts.
You said:
"Fixed Term employment means to me; morale issues, instability, insecurity, loop hole for 'unfair dismissal', limited and loss of knowledge transfer, short term vision, unnecessary time spent on administering this type of employment, lack of commitment, poor HR planning and a lack of confidence.
The above are examples of negative impact to staff, business areas and the University and must be addressed."
Comments reproduced with permission.
Please see the attached documents for the full text of the Let's Bargain EBulletins, the VC's email and the NTEU newsletter in response.
We would appreciate any feedback you would like to provide contact your Branch Office on 8227 2384 or nteuadelaide@internode.on.net if you would like further details.
Be assured that all feedback will be treated confidentially
| Let's Bargain Vol 3 | Job Security for contract and fixed term staff will be addressed in the new clause the NTEU will push to have included in the upcoming Agreement. |
| Let's Bargain Vol 2 | Change Management - how the current process impacts on you and the NTEU claim to provide greater transparency and true consultation in the Change Management process |
| Let's Bargain Vol 1 | "Let's Bargain" provides information on the negotiation process and the issues the NTEU is trying to address in the new Agreement |
| VC email | All Staff email sent 16 Sept 2008 from the Vice-Chancellor |
| NTEU response newsletter | Our response sent to all members 17 September 2008 |
| NTEU response for all staff | A wider response designed to be read by all staff sent 23 September 2008 |
Branch Contacts
Branch Contacts (Photo, left to right, Bernadette Finnerty, Annie Buchecker, Cheryl Baldwin)
Branch Organiser
Bernadette Finnerty
phone (08) 82272384
mobile 0401 584 648
email nteuadelaide@internode.on.net
Industrial Officer
Cheryl Baldwin
phone (08) 82272384
mobile 0401740305
email cheryl.nteu@internode.on.net
Industrial Officer
Annie Buchecker
phone (08) 82272384
email nteuadelaide@internode.on.net
| Map to the new office | 15 Paxton's Walk Palais Apartments 281 North Terrace |
Branch Committee
Click on Calendar for Committee Meeting dates
| Position | Name | School/Area | Extn | Email Address | |
| President | Rod Crewther | School of Chemistry & Physics | 8303 4576 | rodney.crewther@adelaide.edu.au | |
| Secretary | Greg McCarthy | School of History & Politics | 8303 5848 | greg.mccarthy@adelaide.edu.au | |
| Vice-President (Professional Staff) | Gloria Sumner | Humanities & Social Sciences | 8303 5186 | gloria.sumner@adelaide.edu.au | |
| Committee Members | Linda Cecere | Student Services | 8303 3167 | linda.cecere@adelaide.edu.au | |
| Chika Anyanwu | Media | 8303 5617 | chika.anyanwu@adelaide.edu.au | ||
| Sherry Dzonsons | School of Economics | 8303 5908 | sherry.dzonsons@adelaide.edu.au | ||
| Peter Gill | Mathematics | 8303 4180 | peter.gill@adelaide.edu.au | ||
| Christine Lacey | Examinations | 8303 4209 | christine.lacey@adelaide.edu.au | ||
| Shelley Pezy | Molecular Biosciences | 8303 5563 | shelley.pezy@adelaide.edu.au | ||
| Jess Cronin | Office of DVC & VP (A) | 8303 7063 | jessica.cronin@adelaide.edu.au | ||
| Felix Patrikeeff | School of History & Politics | 8303 4451 | felix.patrikeeff@adelaide.edu.au | ||
| Andrew Metcalfe | Mathematics | 8303 3236 | andrew.metcalfe@adelaide.edu.au | ||
Higher Education Review
The long awaited final report of the Higher Education Review has now been released. The implications of the proposals within this Review may have far reaching impacts.
A copy of the full Report can be accessed here http://www.deewr.gov.au/highereducation/Pages/default.aspx
The Executive Summary is below along with the NTEU Media Release in reponse to the Review and the Briefing notes for our members.
Please contact the Branch should you wish to discuss or would like further information.
| Executive Summary | Summary of the full Report including the 46 recommendations |
| NTEU Media Release | |
| NTEU Briefing Notes | Notes regarding the main points of the Review |
Events
Thoughout the next few weeks the NTEU will be on campus (North Terrace, Waite and Roseworthy) to promote the "Our Universities Matter" Campaign and to provide members with the opportunity to talk with NTEU staff.
NATIONAL PETITION
We will also be collecting signatures for our National Petition Click Here for details.
WORK/LIFE BALANCE SEMINAR
Your Union organised a Work/Life Balance Seminar on 13 October with guest speakers; Barbara Pocock, Natalie Skinner, Jude Elton and Margaret Allen. The seminar was a great success and we were fortunate to have the speakers recorded by Radio Adelaide. The audio from the seminar will be available for download shortly so watch this space!!!
PINK BREAKFAST
The annual Pink Breakfast was fabulous this year with more than $700 raised in two hours to support of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Please click on the below file to view photos of the event.
You can still show your support by donating online.
Times and dates for events will be forwarded to members and added to the online Calendar. Come along and show your support.
Organise an area meeting now call Bernadette on 8227 2384
Remember - we work on behalf of our membership and it is through the strength of our membership that we are consistently able to ensure that the University of Adelaide remains up with the GO8 Universities in regard to both salary and conditions.
Check the link to the Calendar for all upcoming events....
(If you have an event you would like added to our Calendar please contact Bernadette Finnerty on nteuadelaide@internode.on.net or 8227 2384 to discuss)
| Calendar | |
| Pink Breakfast Photos | Photos from our Pink Breakfast |
| Pink Breakfast Poster | |
| Radio Adelaide - Your Rights at Night | Your Rights at Night |
| Office Opening slide show |
Our Universities Matter Campaign
CAMPAIGN- OUR UNIVERSITIES MATTER
NTEU will campaign during 2008 to reinvigorate Australia’s universities under the banner of Our Universities Matter – Investing in People and Society.
NTEU Campaign for a better higher education system includes:
- A Charter for University Renewal - Statement of underlying principles.
- Collective Bargaining - This year, NTEU will be negotiating with University management for a new Collective Agreement, including payrises and improved staff conditions. Together we can make a difference!
- Universities Act -A legislative framework which clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of universities
- Statement on Academic Freedom and University Independence -To be signed by senior Academic and General staff.
- National Petition -National Petition in support of the Charter. NOW OPEN.
- Casual & Sessional Staff -NTEU is seeking better pay and conditions for casual and sessional academics.
- Research Staff -NTEU is giving priority to the needs of contract research staff.
- General Staff Classification & Promotion -Clearer procedures for general staff classification and promotion.
- University funding - Australia now spends less on tertiary education than the OECD average.
- Pay Rates -A 27% salary increase is needed over the next three years
- Workloads- We need clear and substantive regulation of workloads.
- Work/Life Balance -A focus on more flexible working arrangements and better carers' leave to look after young children and the elderly.
- Job Security - The previous Federal Government stripped job security conditions from Collective Agreements.
- Indigenous Employment - NTEU's Indigenous specific clauses help combat diminished educational and employment opportunities.
- Regional Universities - Regional communities need strong universities.
- Environmental Sustainability - Australia's universities are key leaders in developing solutions to reduce greenhouse emissions.
For more information on the campaign go to http://www.nteu.org.au/campaigns/ouruniversitiesmatter
HOW YOU CAN BE INVOLVED
- Sign the petition. Go to the website and sign the national http://www.nteu.org.au/campaigns/ouruniversitiesmatter/petition which calls on the Federal Government to improve university funding; improve access to universities; and legislate to protect academic freedom and institutional autonomy.
- Bookmark the website. Save the campaign http://www.nteu.org.au/campaigns/ouruniversitiesmatter in your favourites and refer back to it on a regular basis to stay up to date with campaign events.
- Distribute material. http://www.nteu.org.au/campaigns/ouruniversitiesmatter/resources Download material from the website or contact the us on 8227 2384 and we can arrange for you to receive material that can be distributed amongst your colleagues.
- Sign the statement on academic freedom and institutional autonomy. If you are a senior academic or general staff member go to the website http://www.nteu.org.au/campaigns/ouruniversitiesmatter/academic_freedom and sign the statement.
Collective Agreement Negotiations 2008
The current University of Adelaide Collective Agreement will be in force until 30 June 2008. The Adelaide Branch of the NTEU is about to enter into negotiations with the University around the new Agreement. The focus of these negotiations will be to claw back the conditions lost under HEWRRs and Workchoices.
Your Bargaining Team will be; Rod Crewther, Peter Gill, Cheryl Baldwin (NTEU) and Annie Buchecker (NTEU). Greg McCarthy and Gloria Sumner will serve as proxies for Rod and Peter should the need arise
Please follow the link to view the Log of Claims and the Key Claims we will be focusing on in this round of negotiations.
The Adelaide Branch of the NTEU is very keen to get feedback from all members regarding those issues or concerns that members would like to see addressed. If you would like to arrange a meeting with the NTEU staff to discuss the negotiating process or specific matters involved with the Collective Agreement please contact Bernadette Finnerty at nteuadelaide@internode.on.net or call 8227 2384 and we will arrange a suitable time.
| Member Meeting Notes | Full details of the information provided to the Member Meeting held 5 June 2008 |
| Bargaining Bulletin | Please read for full details regarding the Log of Claims and the important all member meeting. |
| Log of Claims |
Casual and Sessional Staff
Casual Academics Meeting
The NTEU hosted a meeting for Casual Academics across the three SA Universities on Monday 18 August. The forum provided those working as Casual Academics to discuss their concerns and to hear the Casual Academic Claims that the NTEU will be fighting to have included in the new Agreement.
Main issues raised were:
Delays in receiving contracts/payment
Marking payments inconsistent
Security of employment
For a complete list of those items raised please Click Here.
Please contact Bernadette Finnerty at the Branch office if you would like to join in these discussions
Please note we have a created a Facebook group forn casual and sessional academic staff so you can network and support one another. Finding people and staying in contact when moving between contracts can be tricky and this will help you to maintain your connections with each other. Send your friend request now!!!!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=38235433952
| Casual Meeting Flyer | |
| Casual Meeting summary letter | Letter sent to attendees and those who notified of interest in this matter |
| Casual Academic Forum | A discussion forum for casual and sessional academics. |
OHS&W
Occupational Health Safety and Welfare are matters that should be central to all workers. We have a duty of care to ourselves and others within our workplaces.
We would like to use this space to provide you with information and policies from both SafeworkSA and University of Adelaide on matters such as; identifying hazards, your responsibilities, your employers responsibilities, harrassment and bullying among others. If you have a specific concern regarding OHS&W matters please contact Bernadette on 8227 2384 or nteuadelaide@internode.on.net
October 13-November 7 is Safe Work Australia month and a number of free workshops are on offer. Please refer to the below Calendar for details and make the most of these opportunities.
| OHS&W Workshop Calendar |
E-Bulletins and Newsletters
| E-Bulletin December 2008 | Year of the Rat?, You Said & 2009 A Year of Opportunity |
| E-Bulletin November 2008 | FACTS Training (provided by Members Equity), Paid Maternity Leave & Members Benefits |
| Connect - Sept 08 Newsletter | Connect is a bi-annual newsletter for Casual and Sessional staff |
| E-Bulletin September 2008 | Results of the Branch elections along with notice of legislative changes and progress in the negotiating process for the new Agreement |
| August Newsletter | Hardcopy newsletter sent to all members containing updates on the activities of the Branch |
| E-Bulletin August | Performance Excellence Framework, Staff focus groups and Bradley Review Forum |
| E-Bulletin July 2008 | Invitation to a Public Meeting to discuss the Bradley Higher Education Review |
| E-Bulletin June 2008 | Survey results from NTEU Members, Workloads and your health |
| E-Bulletin May 2008 | Low Fees for Casual Staff - Join the SA Division Casuals Network now |
| E-Bulletin April 2008 | 2008 Bargaining Round - Our Amazing Members - Mother's Day Classic |
| E-Bulletin March 2008 | Enterprise Bargaining to commence and Staff changes at the Adelaide Branch |
| Archive | Pre 2008 eBulletins and Newsletters |
Agreements
| University of Adelaide Collective Agreement | This is the current Agreement which expires June 30 this year. NTEU will be negotiating for a new Agreement which focuses on improving Workloads, Job Security and Salary as requested by our members |
| ITS On-Call Agreement | The new On-Call Agreement for ITS staff is the third Agreement which has been negotiated by the NTEU with assistance from the members, in particular Hans Muller who has been involved in the negotiations for all three Agreements. |
| AUU Award | Adelaide University Union Award |
Membership Fees
Membership of the NTEU costs 1% of gross salary and is tax deductible.
Fees can be paid by a variety of methods including direct debit, credit card payments and tax invoice. (Direct debit and invoice attract a 5% discount if paid annually in advance.)
Casual membership rates are based on estimated annual earnings, as follows:
|
Estimated salary range |
6 month fee (including GST) |
Annual fee (including GST) |
|
$10,000 and under |
$27.50 |
$55.00 |
|
$10,001 - $20,000 |
$38.50 |
$77.00 |
|
Over $20,000 |
$55.00 |
$110.00 |
For further details about joining the NTEU, please click here.
| University of Adelaide Membership Form |
Membership Benefits
NTEU members are entitled to a variety of benefits and
discounts including:
Free
legal advice (contact the
Branch
Office)
Free financial advice
Free taxation advice and discounts on taxation services
Home Loans
Personal Loans
Insurance
Union National Visa Credit Card
Health Benefits Scheme
Dental Services
Computer and Internet Packages
Discounts on New Cars
Discounts on Accommodation, Travel, Car Hire Discounts on
Tyres
Union Shopper
Union Wine Club
Discounts on Magazines
Members also receive NTEU publications, including:
NTEU Branch Newsletters
NTEU publications
Advocate
Frontline (for women members)
The Australian Universities' Review
"How to Compile a Teaching Portfolio"
"Foreign Knowledge: A Guide for NTEU members working
Overseas
To access details on the above benefits, please click here
Archive
| Summary of the HE Review | The NTEUs response to the current Discussion Paper including areas of concern |
| Bradley Review Slideshow | A short slide show of the Public Meeting held 22/07/2008 to discuss the Bradley Review |