Staff at the University of Melbourne to strike, Tuesday August 11 2009

Staff at the University of Melbourne will strike tomorrow, Tuesday 11th August, to protest:

• 220 job cuts across the University
• Restructure of faculties - Land & Environment (likely to cost over 30 jobs)
• Merger of Economics & Commerce with the Melbourne Business School
• Merger of Victorian College of the Arts and Faculty of Music
• Non-renewal of fixed-term contract staff

“A packed meeting of angry staff voted unanimously to strike.” said Ted Clark, President of the University of Melbourne Branch of the NTEU. “Everyone is angered and frankly exhausted at the constant restructuring and announcements of further job cuts”.

“The NTEU will hold a public protest outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office to force University management to re-consider, we will also be protesting at Universities Open Day in Sunday.” he said.

Staff will strike form 1pm – 5pm with classes cancelled.

A staff protest outside the Vice-Chancellor’s building will be held from 1.30 tomorrow.  Staff from all faculties will be represented with many meeting to make their own placards to represent their faculty or area.

Supporters are invited to assemble tomorrow, Tuesday 11 August 2009 1.30pm

AT THE VICE-CHANCELLOR’S BUILDING
University of Melbourne Parkville campus
Raymond Priestley

For further information contact:
Ted Clark, President, NTEU University of Melbourne Branch
Phone: 0402 744 912   Email: ejtc@unimelb.edu.au