Enterprise Bargaining Update 28 May 2014
The University met with union colleagues this week on 27 and 28 May to continue Enterprise Bargaining negotiations. These discussions were held in the context of delivering an agreement that establishes a sustainable way forward for UON and our staff.
We are pleased to report to staff that the negotiating team has made good progress in the latest discussions on a large number of outstanding matters, including reaching agreement on: hours of work, meal breaks, rostering staff, shift penalties and defence force leave. We also reached broad agreement on other important areas, with some details remaining to be resolved. Those areas include: organisational change, staff development, redeployment, parental leave, and voluntary rotation and mobility.
Following this week’s positive discussions, the register of outstanding matters has reduced greatly and we are moving closer to an Agreement. Unresolved concerns remain however around a number of key issues including academic workload, additional categories for fixed-term employment and teachers’ descriptors. University representatives will be discussing these matters with our union colleagues in the next week to try to reach an understanding ahead of the next bargaining meeting, which is scheduled for 10 June.
Earlier in the week on 23 May, the NTEU advised the University that it would not be proceeding with planned industrial action on 29 May due to the significant progress with negotiations. The University appreciates this decision by the NTEU and agrees that it is valuable to remain at the table in the immediate term to continue working together towards achieving a new Enterprise Agreement for UON’s staff.
We greatly appreciate your patience during this process. We understand that staff are keen to see the bargaining resolved and we are continuing to work hard to provide you with new Enterprise Agreements in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please continue to provide your valuable views and feedback to EB-feedback@newcastle.edu.au
Best regards
Andrew Parfitt
DVC Academic
John Germov
PVC Education and
Arts
Sharon Champness
Director
People and Workforce Strategy
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.