Charles Sturt University and NTEU at odds over enterprise agreement delay

The NTEU has called for CSU staff to reject a proposed delay to negotiations on a new enterprise agreement.

NTEU CSU Branch President Helen Masterman-Smith, of Albury-Wodonga, said it was 'baffling' the university had offered staff $1000 to vote for the delay.

"Staff are baffled by the move given the recent financial crisis and the many significant concerns about workplace conditions across the university that require urgent negotiation," she said.

"Staff don't begrudge colleagues a well-earned payment given the many unpaid hours they've worked, especially due to the pandemic, but many would rather public funds be invested in more securely-employed staffing and services to enhance the student experience and our research performance for our communities.

"The payment shouldn't come at the cost of negotiating urgent improvements to working conditions through enterprise bargaining..."

However, CSU has refuted the claims saying it is simply proposing an extension of the current enterprise agreement, which will allow staff to get a pay rise sooner.

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The current EBA expired on September 30, 2021.

"The University is proposing to extend the current EA through until 31 October 2022..." a spokesman said.

"Under an extension to the existing EA staff would receive a two per cent salary increase from July 2022, which means staff will get a pay rise sooner rather than having to wait until bargaining is finalised.

"There will also be a $1,000 sign-on bonus paid to eligible staff if the majority who vote are in favour of the extension."

A separate $1000 'appreciation bonus' was given to all staff last week. The spokesman said after a challenging 18 months, the university is in a strong position.

"The university believes it is essential that the new EA reflects this, as well as aligning with our new strategy, factoring in international and domestic student market changes, and allowing for our new Vice-Chancellor's consultation with staff."

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