Editorial

In 2021 we’ll be fighting for our future

As this most difficult of years finally reaches its end, we reflect on how a COVID-driven 2020 has made us confront the biggest crisis that higher education has ever seen, and what lies in front of us in 2021.

...the Morrison Government has just announced a raft of changes to the IR system that, at first glance, will make many workers worse off and make insecure work more attractive for employers, not less.

The theme of this year’s NTEU National Council, held online in October, was 'Fighting For Our Future'. And in many respects this is the reality, as universities and staff continue to grapple with billion dollar revenue shortfalls, the collapse of the international student market, the challenges of working and delivering courses remotely, and most seriously, the loss of thousands of jobs that has affected insecure workers the most.

This has occurred in a framework where the Federal Government has provided no real rescue package or relief for universities; moreover, it passed legislation that reduces overall public funding for the sector by $1 billion and doubles the cost of many courses for students, especially in the humanities.

National Council adopted a set of priorities to guide our work next year which includes:

• Engaging in campaigning, public advocacy and action to achieve a stable and fair funding system. • Working to prevent job losses. • Continuing to develop a culture that supports and prioritises

organising to build our Union’s power and member engagement. • Developing strategies and materials for campaigning on the protection of jobs, wage theft, insecure work, and healthy workplaces.

We must also prepare the Union at all levels for bargaining in 2021, and we will continue to advance academic and intellectual freedom, freedom of speech and institutional autonomy.

As I write this, the Morrison Government has just announced a raft of changes to the IR system that, at first glance, will make many workers worse off and make insecure work more attractive for employers, not less.

We will need to work collectively with the rest of the union movement in 2021 to oppose these changes.

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your wonderful support throughout this year and to wish you a happy and safe festive season.

See you in 2021! •

Alison Barnes, National President