Union criticises lack of consultation time, calls extension vote ’disrespectful’ to staff

CHARLES Darwin University’s draft proposed restructure could suffer “major delays”

Generic Photo of the CDU Casuarina Campus. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

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CHARLES Darwin University’s draft proposed restructure could suffer “major delays” following a notification of dispute from the National Tertiary Education Union.

In an email to staff, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Meredith Parry said CDU received the notification on Friday, with four key points arguing that the university extend the consultation period.

“The NTEU is claiming the late provision of information did not allow them sufficient time for consideration,” the email read.

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The current period for feedback and consultation was September 29 to today, with execution of the restructure set for December 14.

Ms Parry said due to the significance of the draft proposal, staff would be asked to vote whether or not the consultation period and entire proposal timeline should be extended. “The consequences of this would be a major delay … For a matter of such importance CDU is seeking the input of all staff,” the email read. “To enable this input, CDU will be undertaking a confidential staff vote that will take place on Tuesday 20th October.”

NTEU NT branch president Darius Pfitzner said the consultation time was insufficient given the scope of the proposed restructure.

“We have had a substantial number of complaints from members regarding the less than three-week time frame allocated for consultation,” he said.

Dr Pfitzner said an additional two weeks was not a “major delay”, and putting the matter to vote was disrespectful to staff.

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“We are dealing with peoples’ livelihoods, their careers, their ability to pay their kids school fees, home loans and much more,” he said.

“To deny a short two-week extension amounts to showing disrespect for the intelligence of staff and their need for a reasonable consultation period.

“Irrespective of the outcome of this time-wasting exercise, the validity of the dispute will remain unaffected and out of bounds to CDU management.”

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