16 June 2023
We are striking on Wed 21 June 2023 - scroll to the bottom of this email for a guide on how to strike!
Meet us at 10am at the Amphitheatre in the Parkville New Student Precinct to show management that our rights will not be ignored!
How did we get here?
At the members’ meeting on Thurs 1 June, we resolved that if management had not agreed to the following claims by 5pm yesterday (15 June), we would strike for 24 hours on Wed 21 June 2023, to coincide with the University Council meeting:
The deadline was not met by management, so now it is time for action.
While there has been some progress on our claim for improved parental leave, casuals are still being excluded from these rights.
Management has not agreed to meet our other five core claims.
They leave us with no choice but to continue with our full-day strike on Wednesday.
The strike will start at 12.00am and end at 11.59pm on Wednesday 21 June.
You can download a poster here, or pick up printed copies from the Branch Office, in Old Metallurgy at the Parkville Campus.
Strike Day Rally at the Amphitheatre
Our strike on Wednesday coincides with the University Council meeting. We will be meeting for a rally at 10am at the Amphitheatre in the New Student Precinct at the Parkville Campus.
It’s not too late for colleagues to join
Only NTEU members employed by UniMelb can lawfully take part in the strike. If your colleagues are not already members and would like to participate, they can join the Union and then take part immediately.
Ban on applying penalties for late submission of student work
A reminder that members putting a ban on applying penalties for late submission of student work should advise students to submit their work early enough to allow members sufficient time to mark and meet due dates for unit/subject results.
UniMelb Strike 101
A guide for strike newbies and veterans alike!
Before the strike
Do I need to tell my manager that I am planning to strike?
ABSOLUTELY NOT 😊 You do not need to tell your manager that you will be striking. A core feature of protected action is that it is disruptive.
It is illegal for management to threaten or disadvantage you for not advising them in advance. If management tells you that you must tell them whether you intend to take industrial action, this is a breach of the law and you should report it to the Union immediately.
During the strike
How do I tell my manager that I won’t be working?
The same way that you would usually call out sick, whether that is a text message or email, either is fine. You can even call them if that’s more your style.
Do I need to attend the 10am NTEU members meeting and rally at the Parkville campus amphitheatre?
The more members who attend in-person, the bigger the impact on the University Council and Executives who will be meeting that day.
We understand that some of you have very valid reasons for not being able to be there on the day and attendance is not compulsory.
Successful industrial action relies on strength in numbers, so please join us in standing up for the working rights of all UniMelb staff.
After the strike
Can I be paid while I strike?
It is illegal for staff to request payment during a work stoppage action (strike), and it is illegal for management to make payment.
How do I ensure I’m not paid?
You have two options to ensure that you aren't paid for the day, in accordance with legal requirements that staff taking protected industrial action are not paid.
When you return to work, you can submit a request through Themis for 'Unpaid Special leave’ and list the Absence Reason as 'Other'.
You can complete the form that management sent via email after the previous strike action. If you are directed by your manager to complete the form then you must use this option.