Academics strike at UNSW

By Bea Brear

SYDNEY -- Classes at the University of New South Wales were cancelled on July 28, the third time this year, because of industrial action by academic staff.

Since October, the National Tertiary Education Industry Union has been negotiating a new enterprise agreement with UNSW management. The strike was called in response to management's refusal to meet staff demands for a pay deal matching that recently won by staff at Sydney University.

Sydney University staff on June 23 agreed to accept a 14.5% pay rise over four years, plus an initial payment of $1000. Sydney University management also agreed to maintain a number of working conditions that it had wanted to remove or reduce.

UNSW academics have been offered a 1% pay rise, yet UNSW Vice-Chancellor John Niland recently received a 6% pay rise. As well, university money has been allocated for lavish “ceremonial” buildings and a $500,000 Olympic stadium suite.

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