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Pay and working conditions should be negotiated by the people who understand your workplace best: you and your colleagues. University staff know what needs to change. And we deserve a real voice in the agreements that shape our working lives. We asked NTEU members why it matters that staff and management keep negotiating directly. 👉 Our working conditions. Our voice. Our union. Join the campaign: betterworkplaces.nteu.au2h

“For some staff, they’re afraid they’re going to lose their jobs. For other staff, the concern is that everything that makes the job worth doing will be lost … and they will be there simply to take the blame when things go wrong.” Peter Chen, president of the university’s national tertiary education union (NTEU) branch, said the paper had added to growing staff concern about their future at the university as funding shortfalls left fewer academics to run bigger classes. --- AI is changing universities. Staff deserve a say in how it’s used. Join university staff calling for better AI protections: betterworkplaces.nteu.au

🗞️ Macquarie University swaps in-person psychology classes with AI chatbot for two subjects 🗞️ Macquarie has been one of a handful of Australian universities to systematically incorporate AI into teaching, alongside the University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney, as the technology attracts growing student use – and backlash. Peter Chen, president of the university’s national tertiary education union (NTEU) branch, said the paper had added to growing staff concern about their future at the university as funding shortfalls left fewer academics to run bigger classes, Chen said. “For some staff, they’re afraid they’re going to lose their jobs,” Chen said. “For other staff, the concern is that everything that makes the job worth doing will be lost … and they will be there simply to take the blame when things go wrong. The university’s staff plan to go on strike on Wednesday, fighting for AI protections and other support against growing workloads and job insecurity. Chen said the union would not accept a deal that did not address AI. The university said it would continue to engage in bargaining but Wednesday’s strike was “premature”. AI’s rapid evolution meant it should be governed at the university’s discretion through policy, rather than set in a three-year enterprise agreement, its spokesperson said. But Dr Alison Barnes, national president of the NTEU and a Macquarie academic, said staff across the sector would fight for workplace agreements that address AI. “University staff are being hammered by a workload crisis, but simply papering over those cracks with piecemeal AI rollouts could actually create even more damaging issues,” Barnes said. - The Guardian, 2 September 2026 --- 🤖 AI is changing universities. Staff deserve a say in how it’s used. Join university staff calling for better AI protections: https://lnkd.in/g5u7qxBu

Financial security doesn't happen by chance. It grows through access to good information and informed decision-making. Join Ashlee Bunyan, Senior Private Wealth Adviser at UniSuper, for an online session exploring practical strategies to support long-term financial wellbeing and retirement outcomes. This session will provide general information only. Any financial planning advice should be sought independently. RSVP: nteu.info/imagine-security

Safer, more inclusive universities are built through collective action, strong leadership and a commitment to equity. Join Dr Anna Cody, Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner, for a special Bluestocking Week seminar exploring gender equality in higher education and the work still needed to tackle sexual harassment, sex discrimination and gender-based violence. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in human rights, law and social justice, Dr Cody will discuss how we can build safer workplaces, strengthen equality across our sector and create lasting cultural change. RSVP: nteu.info/imagine-equality

Every year, the NTEU celebrates Bluestocking Week, recognising the achievements of women and gender-diverse people in higher education and reaffirming our commitment to equity across the sector. Add a little solidarity to your laptop, notebook or workspace with free stickers delivered to your door!