The University of Wollongong rejects the proposed national accord that would reduce wages and conditions in return for protecting jobs

Just hours before the deal was pulled by the union, Vice Chancellor Paul Wellings told staff yesterday that the national framework, “does not offer the best pathway… to prepare Uni Wollongong for a sustainable future.”

Professor Wellings said the framework’s short-term reductions in pay and conditions to offset COVID-19 caused losses, do not fit the university’s need to “plan for a longer period.” UoW anticipates a $90m budget shortfall this year, “which is expected to compound in future years.”

“COVID-19 has brought permanent, far-reaching changes to our world and to higher education globally. International relationships have changed; course delivery has changed; and the expectations of students, communities and governments have changed,” he said.

“We will be considering alternative approaches that allow us to protect jobs while positioning our organisation for the future.”