
URGENT UPDATE: The University of Newcastle has halted negotiations with the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) and is preparing to seek arbitration, according to union officials. This decision follows a recent application to the Fair Work Commission (FWC), marking a significant escalation in ongoing enterprise agreement talks that have lasted for six months.
Union leaders are calling this move a clear indication that the university is not negotiating in good faith. NTEU General Secretary Damien Cahill stated, “The University of Newcastle appears to have lost faith in its own executives’ ability to negotiate a fair agreement.” He described the university’s actions as “aggressive industrial tactics” designed to sidestep genuine negotiations.
The university, however, claims that the application to the FWC is a necessary step to facilitate productive discussions. Martin Sainsbury, the university’s Chief People and Culture Officer, emphasized, “We know our staff are seeking a timely resolution to this round of bargaining.” He added that engaging the FWC is a recognized part of the bargaining process that has led to positive outcomes in previous negotiations.
The FWC application is part of the university’s strategy to address what they deem a stalled negotiation process. Arbitration can be pursued after nine months of negotiations, but Sainsbury did not confirm whether arbitration would be sought as the deadline approaches.
As tensions rise, NTEU members are scheduled to walk off the job for a half-day strike on Thursday, escalating their campaign in response to what they describe as a lack of progress in negotiations. This strike comes at a critical time, as the university plans to cut jobs and courses in an effort to save $20.6 million. The union vehemently opposes these measures, which it sees as detrimental to staff and the quality of education.
The ongoing dispute is part of a larger crisis affecting universities across New South Wales, where nearly 1,800 jobs are threatened across eight institutions. The NTEU is advocating for fair pay increases, regulated workloads, and flexible work provisions, crucial demands amidst the current budget cuts.
With the negotiations at a standstill, Cahill accused the university of “deploying the same failed playbook as they did last time,” referencing past instances where management sought intervention rather than engaging directly with staff for fair negotiations. He insisted that the university is prioritizing conflict over collaboration.
The urgency of this situation underscores the pressing need for resolution, not only for the university’s staff but for the broader academic community facing economic uncertainty. As negotiations teeter on the brink of arbitration, all eyes are on the University of Newcastle and the FWC, as the outcome could significantly impact the future of employment and education in the region.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the university and the NTEU navigate this crucial period in their negotiations.