In light of the current circumstances, the CPSU NSW has set up an avenue for you to ask questions, seek help and stay informed.
www.surveymonkey.com/r/COVID-FAQ-UNSW
Through our weekly update, we will try to answer your questions, but, as always, if you would like to speak with a delegate or one of our industrial staff, leave your name and best contact details when submitting your enquiry.
The majority of the questions so far were in response to the Vice Chancellor’s email asking staff to consider a range of options including part-time employment, reduced remuneration (less pay) or transition to retirement arrangements.
The CPSU NSW would like to emphasise that these are UNSW’s proposals, and they are not endorsed by campus unions. If you feel you are being pressured to accept an outcome you are uncomfortable with, contact us immediately on 1300 772 679.
Do I have to choose one of the options?
No, not at all. The various options have been put forward by management in an effort to cut costs. The measures are wholly voluntary and no-one can be forced into these arrangements.
What is the risk if I choose to take one of these options?
There should not be any risk. The Vice Chancellor’s email confirms that all arrangements are intended to be temporary (and limited to a period of three months), with the ability to extend these only by agreement. The CPSU NSW recommends you contact us if you are considering taking one of these options for further personalised advice.
What about the Government’s JobKeeper program?
Unlike other not-for-profits, universities have been excluded from lower-threshold access to JobKeeper due to a decision by the Federal Government.
Can UNSW force me to go part-time?
No, although part-time work arrangements can be negotiated by agreement between you and your manager.
What does the CPSU NSW recommend I do?
Before you agree to anything, contact our Organiser, Kirra Jackson on 0438 416 615. We have a team of industrial and legal staff ready to help.
I am concerned that if I take one of these options UNSW might continue with forced redundancies, which would make my sacrifice pointless.
That’s a reasonable concern and one the CPSU NSW shares. We are in a situation where we do not yet know what the future holds. We do know UNSW’s financial position is tenuous. We have told UNSW we are prepared to work with them and all stakeholders in a responsible way to protect jobs and ensure the university remains financially sustainable.
In saying that, the CPSU NSW opposes forced redundancies and we have called on UNSW to rule them out.
We understand it is a very stressful time for university staff. It is tremendously important for professional staff to stick together and negotiate from a position of collective strength. The CPSU NSW has a long history with UNSW and we are proud to have shared in the university’s evolution and success. If you know anyone that is not a member, ask them to JOIN TODAY. If you would like a union representative to organise a meeting with you and your team to talk about your rights, please email ">.
Alister Wareing
Warassamon Kate Brown
David Herd
Liam Orchard
Ellie Williams
Kassie Dmitrieff
Jane Knowles
Todd Bonner
Joe Holloway (Paddington Campus)
Kirra Jackson (CPSU NSW Organiser)
Lisa Nelson (CPSU NSW Industrial Officer)
