Media Release: Victoria University management to stand down VU staff without pay
From Monday Victoria University management will begin unprecedented action to stand down staff who are NTEU members without pay. The stand downs are in response to legally protected industrial bans placed by NTEU members on the transmission of results.
VU NTEU Branch President, Richard Gough said the response by the University was extreme.
‘No University management in Victoria has taken this kind of action for at least 10 years,’ said Mr Gough.
Mr Gough said staff at the University had taken industrial action as a last resort because of the failure of the University to progress collective bargaining. ‘Management has not even met with the NTEU despite us approaching them repeatedly since January,’ he said.
‘Belatedly they have agreed to bargain 6 months later but are now saying there is no budget to pay for bargaining claims in 2010, despite having an operating surplus of $20.6 million.’
Mr Gough said, however: ‘Victoria University’s budget has been in surplus for two years and they can afford a collective agreement.’
Mr Gough said ‘staff were bargaining for improvements in student/staff ratio, improved workloads, reduced casualisation and a wage rise.’
‘Pay rates for Victoria University staff are amongst the worst in Australia in the university sector. Yet management of the University are happy for this situation to continue indefinitely.’
‘What University management need to do is sit down with staff to work out a fair solution rather than continue to delay,’ he said.
Download the media release here.
Media Contacts:
Paul Adams 0401821903
Richard Gough 0418102547
Comments
[ +2 ] Just release the results and stop winging. Most of these so called professionals fail to even respond to emails within a reasonable time.
Like • Dislike • Report Abuse[ +3 ] I can understand that pay rates are important for teachers, however, withholding student results as a ploy to increase pay rates is the wrong way to approach the issue. The issue can be easily rectified by using a bit more professionalism and effective negotiation. Students are not to be used as third parties to achieve personal gains. The personal gains should be the successes of the students, not the the pay check. I hope a solution will be bought forward soon as this is giving the public eye and future students less confidence to attend VU. The image of VU is very important and what type of image VU sending out. Students are more important than money. If you don't have students, you won't have a job. SORT IT OUT!
Like • Dislike • Report Abuse[ +3 ] Why ban results for? You are punishing students more than the University management...there has to be a more appropriate time and course of action then this. It is unfair for students who study so hard, not to mention pay so much to do their course and you take their rights away due to issues beyond their control. You guys really need to reconsider this ban and punish the right people not innocent students!!
Like • Dislike • Report Abuse[ -1 ] If results are outstanding (RO) then a student will not know whether to seek an exemption or not? What will happen under these circumstances if the industrial action continues for months? Is this industrial action going to effect the teaching for the second semester? How long is this industrial action likely to be in place?? How can students be certain that the marking of their work is not going to be effected by unhappy teachers who may want to bring the Uni's reputation for good results down?
Like • Dislike • Report Abuse[ -3 ] Sick of waiting... we need to know how we are progressing as students. Not happy VU.. not happy at all. GIVE US OUR RESULTS
Like • Dislike • Report Abuse[ -2 ] Amazing how the blame is on the Union and not on the Mangement at VU. The teaching staff do the work and teach the student while the fat cat management enjoy all these trips and functions while the staff get paid peanuts. Good on you NTEU, I dont mind waiting for my results, it is a small sacrifice for me to make for all my hard working lecturer's
Like • Dislike • Report Abuse[ +2 ] i'm changing Universities.. this is just bullshit.
Like • Dislike • Report Abuse[ 0 ] When are the results going to be released?
Like • Dislike • Report Abuse[ -2 ] Good on you!!!! Exemptions for students who really need the result have been made!!! Some results arent as important as having a good income to feed your family..
Like • Dislike • Report Abuse[ 0 ] Why students have to pay for the VU management actions against staff? And who look after and stand up for the students? It is unfaire and ridiculous.
Like • Dislike • Report AbuseBy the way, can someone tell me where do I find the students exemption form? this website is not very clear to navigate. Thanks.