La Trobe U stays with plan A

A national vote on the proposed job protection accord is off it’s still on at LT U

VC John Dewar was one of four VCs who negotiated a framework with the National Tertiary Education Union to trade temporary cuts in wages and conditions for job protection. The union cancelled a national member vote on Tuesday in the face of 20 or so VCs saying no to the framework, and vocal internal criticism.

However, Professor Dewar tells staff the LT U branch of the union will vote on the national proposal next week. He adds that an all-staff vote, “will take place soon thereafter.” CMM understands this will occur, regardless of the outcome of the union member vote.

The vice chancellor has made a strong case for the deal, telling staff, “we can guarantee there will be fewer jobs lost with it,” (CMM May 20).

“When the time comes, I hope you will join me in supporting this framework to ensure we can protect as many La Trobe jobs as possible,” he now says.”

Professor Dewar’s negotiating partner, Monash U VC Margaret Gardner also makes a strong case for her staff to support the framework (CMM May 27).