NTEU UC Bargaining Update
Union to consider first steps towards industrial action
NTEU UC Bargaining Team dissatisfied with progress on workloads, salaries and job security
Yesterday was Meeting 7, which followed a three-week break since the last bargaining meeting. We have been very clear with the University’s leadership that we need to see significant progress at the bargaining table. It was disappointing, therefore, that the University only brought three clauses to discuss – all of which largely reflect the conditions in the current Agreement. We also discussed Underperformance, which was carried over from last meeting. NTEU considers UC’s proposal to be worse than the existing clause, as it would make it easier to fire people.
We have again requested to bring forward discussion of salaries – especially in light of the recent interest rate hike. Once again, the University refused to bring forward those discussions as Salaries are not listed on the original Agenda until May.
However, both Professional Staff and Academic Workloads have now been on the Agenda for meetings already completed, and the University has not yet provided any draft clauses on either item.
We continue to hold significant concerns relating to job security as well – University proposals weaken entitlements for casual, fixed-term and continuing staff. This includes the recently discussed Underperformance clause.
If the state of bargaining remains the same following our next bargaining meeting on 25 March, we will be recommending that, at our NTEU Member Meeting on 26 March at 12.30pm, members authorise a Protected Action Ballot – the first step towards taking industrial action.
Some positives
Once again, there were some positives from bargaining. We ticked off some clauses which don’t change significantly from existing clauses and had some fruitful discussions.
We appear to be close to agreement on Flexible Work provisions, which will give UC staff a lot more certainty and clear entitlements in relation to things like working from home.
On Professional Staff Workloads, the University also committed to the idea of a Workloads Committee and a Review process (both proposed by NTEU) but not necessarily in the form we proposed. We’ll wait and see if there is more detail on the University’s position at the next meeting.
What is a Protected Action Ballot?
Under our industrial relations legislation, there are hoops to jump through before protected industrial action (such as work bans or strikes) become available to use.
The first step is a Protected Action Ballot.
This is not a vote to strike or take other action, but only to give NTEU the option to do so if necessary.
Does this mean we’re going on Strike?
At the moment, no. It is important to note that a Protected Action Ballot only makes available the option to take industrial action.
As a democratic union, we’ll be calling members meetings and taking our direction from members on any future industrial action.
In short – if we believe it is necessary to go on strike, we’ll ask members to vote on it first.
Who can go on Strike?
If NTEU proceeds with a strike, only NTEU members will be able to go on strike. That means that if a strike was called and any UC staff want to go on strike but they are not yet members, they need to join NTEU at www.nteu.au/join.
If it comes to that, we would also welcome the other union at the table - the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union - going through their own processes and joining us.
How does a ballot take place?
If we proceed to a Protected Action Ballot, we need a majority of members to vote, and a majority of voters to vote 'Yes' to each type of industrial action proposed.
We’ll have more information on the process and timelines at our Member Meeting on 26 March – unless there is significant movement at the bargaining table.
Can a Protected Action Ballot be avoided?
Yes – but that decision largely rests with the University’s leadership.
We’ve made clear, over a long period of time, that we need to see significant progress. We’ve also made clear that workloads, salaries and job security are key concerns for our members.
We will consider, in good faith, any proposal that comes to the next bargaining meeting. However, we need to see a significant shift – not just tinkering around the edges.
Industrial action is always a last resort, but it now needs serious consideration.
We look forward to unpacking all of this and more at our Member Meeting on 26 March!
That meeting will be for NTEU members only, but any colleagues who are not yet members are welcome provided they join prior to the meeting at www.nteu.au/join.
In solidarity,
NTEU UC Bargaining Team
Lachlan, Craig, Bethany, Katie, Denise and Luke
Meeting 7: 18 March 2026
Authorised by Dr Lachlan Clohesy, ACT Division Secretary, National Tertiary Education Union