The industrial lobby representing most universities says negotiations at Western Sydney U could be “an important reference point for the sector”

Unions and Western Sydney U management have agreed on a proposal to create 150 continuing academic positions and to give WSU casuals first right to apply (CMM, Tuesday and yesterday)

National Tertiary Education Union NSW state secretary Damien Cahill says, “the task now is to win decasualisation and secure jobs at every university across the country. The win by members at WSU shows it is possible.”

New CEO of the Australian Higher Education Industrial Association,  Craig Laughton tells CMM “current negotiations at Western Sydney University could be an important reference point for the sector.”

Universities, “like most organisations in the country, continue to face challenges with income generation and cost increases. However, that does not mean there is no understanding or willingness to engage on employee pay and conditions.”

But he warned, “the financial capacity of universities around Australia is not the same, with each university facing their own unique economic pressures.”