The VC says the NTEU has “chosen to adopt an adversarial form of dialogue through strike action (which) must be challenged”

University of New England management wants a new enterprise agreement for academics based on annual hours taught rather than EFTS numbers in classes and new vice chancellor, Brigid Heywood says the “ongoing reluctance” of the National Tertiary Education Union to consider such “is a matter of great concern.”

She also isn’t happy with the union banning e-contact with on-line students (CMM yesterday), telling staff;

“In my view, the NTEU have provided no sound evidence based arguments for retaining the old model. Instead they have now instigated carefully positioned action against our most vulnerable group – our students – who are being used as pawns.”