I wanted to draw your attention to an important issue that is currently impacting our community. The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) has announced the initiation of protected industrial action against the University of Melbourne. This action includes a ban on members applying late submission penalties to students' work.

The NTEU is the union that represents staff across the higher education and university sectors. The industrial action aims to push the University to accept the NTEU’s proposed changes to their Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA), the legal document that determines the working conditions and compensation of staff. The NTEU are calling for a commitment to 80% secure jobs, a 15% pay rise, manageable workloads, improved parental leave, restrictions on “spill and fill” workforce restructurings, and stronger work-from-home rights.

UMSU has launched a student solidarity campaign because we believe it demonstrates a unified front in support of fair working conditions and equitable treatment for university staff.

While not all staff members will participate in the industrial action, it is essential to understand the reasons behind the NTEU's actions and the importance of standing in solidarity with them. We rely on our staff to provide us with high-quality education and support throughout our academic journey. Therefore, we must support their efforts to secure fair and equitable working conditions.

You can show your support for the NTEU industrial action by:

• Signing the Student Pledge of Support HERE.
• Attending banner making event on April 27th from 1-2 pm at Building 168, Level 2, Foyer
• Join UMSU contingent at the May 3rd NTEU rally from 11 am- 3 pm at Trades Hall

If you’re interested in getting more involved, you can join the student organising group on Facebook here.

The rally will bring together students, staff, and community members to show our support for the NTEU and demand fair and equitable working conditions for academic and professional staff.

Please reach out to your subject coordinators for any specific questions about the impact of the ban on your assignments.

Education Public Office Bearer Carlos Julian Lagos Martin
Endorsed by President Hiba Adam.