President's News – 25 August 2023

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UMSU SUPPORTS THE WEEK-LONG STAFF STRIKE

On Monday 28 August, members of the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) in the Arts faculty, VCA School of Art and FFAM Stagecraft Team, and 757 Swanston St (Stop 1) will begin a 7 day strike. Melbourne Law School and Scholarly Services will also begin a 5 day strike at the start of the week.

Alongside this extended industrial action, there will be an all-branch half-day strike and rally at 12 P.M. on Monday 28 August. Union members all across the University will walk off the job at noon, and march their way to the Raymond Priestly building for a rally that will begin at 1 P.M. Students are invited to join the march and rally in solidarity!

Due to the strike, some faculties will have most of their classes cancelled, and student services such as Stop 1 and library services will be disrupted throughout the week.

The University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU) stands unequivocally with the NTEU staff that staff working conditions affect student learning conditions: both students and staff deserve better!

Demands such as 80% secure work, a fair pay rise, and no forced redundancies are not only reasonable, but necessary to building quality education at the University. Student-staff solidarity will win this fight!

UMSU represents all students on campus – both graduates and undergraduates. Graduate students may also be sessional teaching staff, directly affected by the University's working conditions.

UMSU is calling on all students to support the staff strike by:

  • Respecting the demands of staff and the purpose of the strike
  • Ensure you are mindful of your class attendance requirements
  • Showing up to support the staff! Come to the Strike Hub on South Lawn between 10am and 4pm, Monday-Friday to show your support and join the staff marches! There will be snacks and info sessions around the strikes

If you have any issues relating to your attendance or assessment due to the impacts of NTEU actions, or want to know what your responsibilities as a student might be at this time, then you can contact UMSU Advocacy to get independent advice.

The NTEU will communicate updates directly to students here.

 

UMSU President
Hiba Adam

 
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