Victoria U has adopted the Job Protection Framework drawn-up by four VCs and the national leadership of the National Tertiary Education Union

In line with this accord, VU commits to reducing COVID-19 caused job losses by 90 FTE positions, and undertakes that VRs will come before any compulsory redundancies. In return the deal prescribes temporary concessions from staff on pay and conditions. These include; * deferring 1.25 per cent of the 2.25 per cent Enterprise Agreement pay rises due in September 2021 and ’22. Both rises would be paid in September ’23. * no leave loadings this year and in ’21 and ’22. * ten days close-down and five days leave-purchase for each of three years

Management also accepts an over-sight committee, including NTEU representatives.

If VU and the union stick to the process used at other universities the proposal would go first to NTEU members and if approved by them to an all-staff vote on varying the enterprise agreement.

Union member approval is not assured. Last month a rank and file meeting voted against any reduction in wages and conditions (CMM August 10). Yesterday the VU branch asked members to meet on Thursday to discuss this, “very serious proposal with significant impacts on staff and jobs whether it’s accepted or rejected