9 March 2023

This morning, the NTEU University of Melbourne branch applied to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for a ‘Protected Action Ballot Order’.  

A Protected Action Ballot is a vote conducted among NTEU members at UniMelb on whether they wish to enjoy the right to have the ability to take certain forms of industrial action. Having the right to take action doesn’t mean we will, but if we are going to move management to offer a fair agreement with us, we need every tool in our arsenal.  

Here are the final eight forms of industrial action that, if our application is approved, will be put to vote by all members of our branch:   

1. Stoppages of work of between 5 minutes and 24 hours in duration?

2. Indefinite stoppages of work? 

3. A ban on use of the University of Melbourne’s online systems? 

4. Making statements while working explaining why members of the union are taking industrial action? 

5. A ban on performing duties outside of those explicitly mentioned in your position description? 

6. A ban on responding to phone calls or emails outside 9am-5pm weekdays? 

7. A ban on conducting student assessments? 

8. A ban on applying penalties for late submission of student work? 

Once again, NTEU members vote overwhelmingly for Industrial Action 

This morning’s application followed a members’ meeting yesterday that voted 95% in favour of a motion supporting a Ballot including the above questions. As branch committee member, Katie Wood, said when introducing the vote yesterday: 

"The reason we do [industrial action] is because the key power we have as workers, even at a university, is the collective work we do to make the place function.   

We can use that power to convince senior management to improve our wages and conditions, and it becomes very important if we have a management that is more interested in hoarding surpluses than investing in staff."

What’s next?

The ball is now in the Fair Work Commission’s court to make the Protected Action Ballot order. It’s also possible that the University will challenge the application, which we will keep you posted about. 

It is likely that the ballot will be conducted by email. The ballot agent will use your work email address unless you advise the Branch you would prefer the notice be sent to your private email address by completing this form by 12pm Monday 13 March 2023.