Back to Monash University

Taking Management to Task on Workloads

Posted 12 May 2011 by John Pezy (Flinders University)

English, Communications and Performance Studies members are continuing to improve how their workplace operates.  Members first met on the Thursday before the start of semester one because the workload model had not been released and members had no clear idea of the units they were expected to teach only three days later. 

This initial meeting led to the model being released, but members were not happy with a senior manager saying similar delays could be expected next year. There was also an indication that the model was “faulty” as it showed that most staff were carrying excessive workloads – with a management proposal to “tweak” the model so it showed that the same workload was not excessive.

Members were not satisfied with this response and demanded a collegial review of the model, as is required under the EBA, along with action to reduce workloads.   

In response to this second meeting, a more enlightened manager offered to set up a Workload Review with our Delegate representing NTEU members on that Review. 

Members are confident that a transparent and fair model that recognises workload will result from this process. Management also increased the number of sessionals employed to address the excessive workloads.  This is being monitored to check that this measure is sufficient to ensure that workloads are reasonable – if this is not the case, it is certain members will meet again.

ECPS members have yet again shown the benefits to be gained from dealing with such issues collectively through the NTEU.