Background to the Disputes: Expired Agreements and Stalled Talks

Australia's university EBAs typically run for three to four years, outlining pay, leave, workloads, and job protections. At both UTS and UoN, agreements lapsed on September 1, 2025, prompting NTEU members to endorse logs of claims in late 2025. Bargaining began but stalled, with management rejecting key union proposals after six to twelve months of discussions.

At UTS, recent forced redundancies of 121 staff exacerbated issues, leaving remaining employees with heavier loads. UoN staff cited a year-long impasse, with morale described as 'atrocious' due to overwork and psychosocial risks flagged in the 2025 Australian University Census on Staff Wellbeing.

NTEU's Key Demands: A 20% Pay Rise and Beyond

Central to both disputes is the NTEU's demand for a flat 20% salary increase for all staff over the new agreement's term, nominally expiring September 1, 2029. This equates to roughly 5% annually, aimed at addressing cost-of-living pressures and a pay lag where recent rises trailed inflation.

Other demands include:

• Prohibition of forced redundancies and stronger redeployment rights.
• Safe workloads, with collaborative allocation models and vacancy filling within three months.
• 20 days paid reproductive health leave covering endometriosis, screenings, and miscarriages.
• 17% superannuation for casuals, matching full-time rates.
• Regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) use, ensuring consultation, privacy, and job security.
• Enhanced union rights, including email access and training leave.
• Improved Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment targets.

These claims, detailed in NTEU logs, seek to exceed National Employment Standards and address inequities like casualization, where many academics lack security.

Universities' Responses: Financial Unsustainability Cited

UTS management offered a mere 1.5% administrative pay bump during the strike, met with derision. Broader proposals included performance-tied steps and part-year contracts, rejected as eroding protections. UoN countered with a 3.45% increase for a 12-month extension (above CPI) or 10% over three years, arguing the 20% claim adds over $100 million annually—unsustainable amid deficits.

Both cite sector woes: declining international student revenue from visa caps, stagnant government funding (6% per-student drop since 2017), and $80-100 million deficits at some institutions. UTS faces further cuts after axing 1100 subjects to save $100 million yearly. Progress noted on workloads, but pay remains contentious. University of Newcastle bargaining statement.

Photo by Bao Menglong on Unsplash

Job Cuts and Workload Pressures Fueling Discontent

Nationally, nearly 4,000 jobs were cut in 2025, with 2026 continuing amid restructures. UTS's 121 redundancies increased workloads, prompting NTEU demands for caps and research time. UoN staff report high psychosocial risks, with the census revealing widespread stress.

Casual academics, comprising up to 50% at some unis, face insecurity and recent wage theft revelations—millions owed in backpay after NTEU-Fair Work wins at Monash and Wollongong.

Staff Perspectives: 'Atrocious Morale' and Equity Gaps

NTEU UTS President Dr. Sarah Attfield decried management's 'boredom' and dismissal: 'They suggested we don’t represent staff.' UoN's A/Prof Liam Phelan called morale 'atrocious university-wide.' Casuals like Cassandra Lowry highlighted benefit gaps.

Gender pay gaps persist—men earn 9.9% more sector-wide, up to 18% at some unis—despite equity plans. Reproductive leave demands address chronic illnesses disproportionately affecting women. THE gender pay gap report.

Student Solidarity and Classroom Impacts

UTS Students’ Association President Neeve Nagle affirmed: 'Student learning conditions are staff working conditions.' Disruptions are minimal but symbolize deeper issues—overworked staff mean less support, research output dips affecting rankings.

Broader strikes, like USyd's push for 25%, show momentum. Students join pickets, linking to fee hikes and course cuts.

National Context: A Sector in Crisis

Australia's 39 public universities grapple with $17 billion funding shortfalls projected. International enrolments fell 20% post-caps, hitting revenue. Government bonds yield below inflation; unis pivot to domestic growth but face enrollment plateaus.

NTEU nationally fights backpay theft ($9m at Monash alone). Similar actions at Melbourne (4-day week push), Sydney. Universities Australia warns of 'critical challenges' in liquidity and capital. Universities Australia report.

Photo by LaTerrian McIntosh on Unsplash

Pathways to Resolution: Negotiations, Arbitration, and Reforms

Fair Work Commission may mediate; UoN eyes assisted talks. Past wins include no FT3.5 contracts at UoN. Solutions: Indexed funding, intl student balance, efficiency without cuts.

For staff: Explore secure roles via specialized boards. Future EBAs could set precedents for AI ethics, equity.

Implications for Higher Education Careers in Australia

Disputes underscore casualization risks but opportunities in growing fields like AI, sustainability. Prospective lecturers, professors should note pay starts ~$110k-$150k, but lags living costs (Sydney rents up 10% yearly). Upskilling via postdocs boosts prospects.

A balanced resolution could stabilize sector, attracting talent amid global competition.