Enterprise Bargaining Agreement Negotiations at the University of Sydney: What You Need to Know
The University of Sydney is currently in the midst of negotiating a new enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) with its staff members. An EBA is a legally-binding agreement made between an employer and its employees that sets out the terms and conditions of employment.
The current EBA at the University of Sydney expired on June 30, 2021, and negotiations for a new one began earlier this year. The negotiations are being conducted between the university management and the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU), which represents the interests of most staff members at the university.
What are the key issues being negotiated?
As with any EBA negotiation, there are a number of issues at play. Some of the key issues being negotiated in this case include pay, job security, workload, and academic freedom.
Pay: The university is proposing a pay increase of 1.8% per year over the life of the EBA, which is more than the federal government`s current 1.5% cap on public sector pay rises. However, the NTEU is seeking a larger pay rise, as well as improvements to other employment conditions.
Job security: The NTEU is seeking greater job security for staff members, particularly casual and fixed-term employees who make up a significant proportion of the university`s workforce.
Workload: The union is also seeking to address concerns around workload and the impact it has on staff members` health and wellbeing. This includes provisions for workload management and support for staff experiencing excessive workloads.
Academic freedom: Finally, the NTEU is seeking to strengthen provisions around academic freedom, including protections for staff members` right to speak out on matters of public interest without fear of retribution.
What happens if an agreement isn`t reached?
If an agreement isn`t reached by both parties, it could result in industrial action. This could take the form of a strike, work stoppages, or other forms of protest.
It`s important to note that industrial action is a last resort and is not taken lightly by employees or employers. It can have significant financial and reputational impacts on both parties, as well as on students and the wider community.
What`s the timeline for negotiations?
Negotiations for the new EBA began in April 2021 and are ongoing. The university and the NTEU have been meeting regularly to discuss the various issues being negotiated.
It`s unclear at this stage how long negotiations will take, but both parties have expressed a desire to reach an agreement as soon as possible.
What does this mean for students?
Students may be impacted by any industrial action that occurs as a result of the EBA negotiations. This could include cancelled classes, delayed assessments, or other disruptions to their studies.
The university and the NTEU have both stressed that they will do everything possible to minimise the impact on students, but it`s important for students to be aware of the potential for industrial action and to stay up-to-date with the latest developments.
In conclusion, the enterprise bargaining agreement negotiations at the University of Sydney are an important issue for staff members, students, and the wider community. It`s a complex negotiation process with a range of issues at play, but both parties are committed to reaching an agreement that is fair and reasonable for all.