Less than 4 percent back move to target students

The majority of classes, research projects and services at The University of Queensland (UQ) will run to schedule tomorrow Tuesday (October 20), despite a strike tactic backed by less than four per cent of staff.

UQ’s Executive Director (Operations), Mr Maurie McNarn, said less than four percent of UQ staff supported proposed industrial action aimed at students.

“The University is concerned that the National Tertiary Education Union, which is one of five unions negotiating with the University, wants to target students and disrupt classes on Tuesday,” he said.

“Fewer than four percent of UQ staff voted in favour of this action.

“In light of the minority support, and the facts that fewer than two per cent of staff participated in strike action in September and only some eight classes were disrupted, we anticipate minimal impact.

“It is important that students do not assume that their schedule will be disrupted, but instead check with their teachers or their faculty.

“Exams begin in less than three weeks, and for some students this is the last assessment period leading to graduation,” Mr McNarn said.

Regardless of the industrial action, enterprise bargaining negotiations with five unions are ongoing. The University will continue to bargain in good faith, as it has done throughout this process.

Media contact: Fiona Kennedy 3365 1384/0413 380 012