The CPSU NSW wrote to the university in January 2022, seeking that UTS not implement the National Cabinet decision to exempt Higher Education workers from isolation requirements for COVID close contacts who are asymptomatic.
The university has since responded confirming that it will not be forcing COVID infected staff to attend the university. UTS will be following NSW Public Health Orders (rather than National Cabinet) that does not include Higher Education workers as being exempt from isolating in the case of a close contact. In addition, UTS has affirmed that sick leave and personal/carers’ leave are available to fixed-term and continuing staff, and that there is an ability for staff to convert annual or long service leave to sick or personal/carers’ leave if a staff member is ill for more than five days whilst on this type of leave.
The CPSU NSW has always been active in protecting the health, and safety of professional staff during this pandemic.
In December 2021 the CPSU NSW wrote to the university seeking an extension to the consultation period from 15 December 2021 to 17 January 2022, and that feedback from affected staff and the CPSU NSW will be taken seriously. UTS agreed to extend the consultation period to the 17 January 2022, and assured the union that feedback will be seriously and properly considered. The CPSU NSW provided further feedback stating that we do not support the need to abolish and/or downgrade positions at a time when international students are returning and increasing in numbers. We expressed our concerns about the proposals to reduce and regrade positions. Of particular concern was the proposal for HEW 5 staff taking on Welfare duties in a new structure without training.
Subsequently the CPSU NSW met with the university on 31 January about the change proposal. It seems that the university has taken feedback on board and that there maybe some positive changes to the initial change proposal. We anticipate a Change Implementation Plan will be provided mid to late February 2022.
It is because of the CPSU NSW advocacy that the extension of the consultation period occurred, and that staff feedback is being taken seriously.
All Housing Service staff are invited to ameeting to hear the CPSU NSW report on our meeting with the university and to hear and further concerns you may have on
Date and Time
Thursday 12:30pm-1:30pm
Register HERE.
Mark Christopher Vice President
Assistant Secretary Thomas Dobson
Branch Delegates
Rosa Bow
Rashid Osman
Anne Kennelly Senior Organiser
You can do so in our private Facebook group HERE.
