Branch News

The University of Melbourne has now tabled its 2025 Annual Report in the Victorian Parliament, read our branch president’s analysis of what the numbers really tell us.

Protected Action Ballot Results

We’re happy to share the results of the NTEU University of Melbourne Branch protected action ballot. All questions succeeded. 

Eligible voters: 2221 

Votes cast: 1613 

Turnout: 73 percent 

Percentages of response rate: 

• Stoppages of work between 5 minutes and 24 hours in duration: 97 percent 

• Indefinite stoppages of work: 78 percent 

• A ban on the use of the University of Melbourne's online systems of work: 83 percent

• Making statements while working explaining why members of the National Tertiary Education Union are taking industrial action: 96 percent 

• A ban on delivery of teaching: 82 percent 

• A ban on preparation and/or participation for events hosted or endorsed by the University of Melbourne: 92 percent 

• A ban on working overtime: 97 percent

These results send a clear message that staff are prepared to stand together to fight for a better agreement at the University of Melbourne. 

While bargaining continues, it remains clear that we will need to keep building our collective strength if we are to win the claims members deserve.

At the all-members’ meeting held 24 April, more than 250 NTEU UniMelb branch members received an update from the NTEU bargaining team and decided that sufficient progress had not made in EBA negotiations with University of Melbourne management. This vote started the process to put industrial action on the table later in the year. Members will receive a ballot by email on 13 May 2026 with a list of potential actions. This is a ballot allowing us the option to take these actions and is NOT a vote to take industrial action.

The final consultation on the branch committee’s proposed log of claims is now complete. Read the final draft to be voted on at meeting of all UniMelb NTEU members to be held on 12 March here.

The NTEU University of Melbourne Branch Committee has shared its draft Log of Claims for a new Enterprise Agreement at the University.

This document articulates our vision to improve pay and working conditions at the University and includes:

• A 20% pay rise;

• Academic staff control of workloads;

• A 20%  reduction in working hours for professional staff with no loss of pay;

• Reinstating the end-of year shutdown leave entitlement; and

• Further limits on insecure work.

It has been shaped by extensive work across our Branch, the national Union, and the entire University of Melbourne community.

The branch will be consulting with members to ensure these priorities reflect the experience and ambition of members across the University.

On Thursday 12 March 2026, branch members will come together to vote on the draft Log of Claims.

If approved, it will then be served on University management as part of the enterprise bargaining process.