Enterprise bargaining has re-commenced in earnest this year, with up to three meetings per week as we work towards finalising our next agreement with the unions. Below is a brief snapshot of activity undertaken over the past month.
I am pleased to report that we have reached in principle agreement on the use of Artificial Intelligence, and we are close to agreement on Academic Workloads, Flexible Working Arrangements, and Change Management. These build on the gains secured in 2025, including enhanced entitlements to Personal, Parental, Community Service, and Family & Domestic Violence Leave.
Disappointingly, the NTEU has notified the University of its intention to undertake a 24 hour stop work action on 11 March. Only NTEU members may choose to participate in this industrial action.
Please note that the University is legally prohibited from paying staff members who are absent from work due to participation in industrial action, so those participating will need to enter a leave request through Service Central.
ACU Position
As negotiations progress, ACU is seeking to achieve the following outcomes:
- Plain‑language entitlements that are easily understood and consistently applied.
- Flexibility in how we engage staff, enabling us to launch new programs, navigate external funding arrangements, attract leading industry practitioners, and support transitions—from studentship into the workforce and from ongoing roles into retirement.
- A sustainable and responsible pay rise that reflects uncertain enrolments and external financial pressures, while ensuring we can continue investing in essential systems and infrastructure that enrich the student experience and improve the quality of working life for staff.
- Equitable entitlements for all staff, not only union members.
Have Your Say
I was thrilled with how many of you attended my previous Q&A sessions. Your feedback has had a meaningful impact on negotiations. Please join me again in one of the locations so that we can continue the discussion.
As always, if you have any questions or feedback for the ACU bargaining team you can email ea2025@acu.edu.au
Professor Julie Cogin, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Australian Catholic University