INDUSTRIAL ACTION
Why is this happening?
Curtin University is currently negotiating the pay and conditions of its staff with the staff union, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU).
Curtin staff have a workplace dispute regarding a range of concerns regarding their pay not keeping pace with the cost of living crisis and having less time to ensure you get the quality of education you deserve.
The Governments Fair Work Commission is the ‘umpire’ of disputes between staff and employers. They have permitted the union to take ‘protected industrial action’.
This means staff at Curtin including tutors, lecturers and professional staff may choose to stop working from time to time or adjust how they work. The University cannot take any action against staff for participating in industrial action. This is their workplace right.
We are asking students to understand and respect staff who are exercising their protected workplace industrial rights and tell Curtin University senior management that enough is enough - give staff a better offer to put an end to the escalating industrial action.
What impacts could this have on students?
The Guild will update this information from time to time as we become aware of industrial action. Updated as at 21/03/23 11am
| What may be interrupted? |
What action are some staff participating in? |
When is this occuring |
| Curtin University events |
A ban on preparation for events |
Ongoing |
| Curtin University events |
A ban on participating in events hosted or endorsed by Curtin University
|
Ongoing |
| Unit Outlines |
Staff may be not using the online system ‘Unit Outline Builder’, this creates unit outlines and places on Oasis. Staff may be choosing to email unit and assessment information separately.
|
Ongoing |
| Turnitin |
A ban on using Turnitin to access assessments or to upload feedback or marks. Staff may be choosing to use Blackboard assessments instead.
|
Ongoing |
All Curtin University activity & classes
|
Work stoppage / strike. |
Tues 14 March
2pm-5pm |
| All Curtin University activity & classes |
Work stoppage / strike.
On-campus rally and BBQ fundraiser for International students. |
Thurs 23 March
BLD 106F
12pm - 5pm
|
All Curtin University activity & classes
|
Work stoppage / strike. Full day work stoppage. |
Wed 5 April
Mon 17 April |
Why should students support staff?
Curtin students rightly expect the highest quality of education which is only possible when university staff are supported with fair working conditions and pay that acknowledges their hard work and keeps pace with inflation.
We are concerned about the impact on our quality of education because so many of our teachers are casual employees and the university is refusing to offer sick leave and adequate superannuation entitlements and it will not create an additional 100 permanent teaching and research positions which would help ease chronic workload issues.
We pay a lot of money for our education and we expect a lot from our teachers who should be valued and rewarded by Curtin for their skill and dedication.
Supporting staff, even when they take industrial action against the University, leads to better pay and conditions. This attracts the best staff to Curtin and ensures they have the resources to mark your assessments, provide valuable teaching and feedback and properly support you at University.
Curtin Student Guild is urging Curtin to provide a better offer to staff through the NTEU to give all employees a fairer deal.
What can I do if my academic progression is being affected by industrial action?
If you have concerns about academic matters, in the first instance, contact your Unit Coordinator.
Student Assist may be able to advise you as to how best to resolve any academic issues and referrals to other services.
Email: student.assist@guild.curtin.edu.au
Phone: (08) 9266 2900
Free call: 1800 063 865
Building 106F, Curtin University
Monday to Friday, 9am - 4pm