‘We are the University‘ – Kelly Greenop, academic representative on the NTEU team for a better EBA.
‘Indigenous knowledge is intellectual property, and … the university should not own our knowledge as property. That (knowledge) belongs to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and our communities, not the university. So that’s another thing that we’re fighting for.’ – Dr Sharleen Leroy-Dyer, indigenous member of NTEU National Executive.
For 650 days, management at the University of Queensland has held out against the National Tertiary Education Union and tried to deprive its members of an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) which enables a modest increase in wages, protection against casualisation and progressive industrial relations at University. During that time, a core group of activists within the Union have brought solidarity to the campus. They are likely to win their dispute because of this solidarity and because of the ineptitude and stupidity of management. This is the second strike that I have attended during this campaign and the numbers going out are still strong. I am possibly the oldest union member (now retired). I began work at the University of Queensland in 1967 and went on to various jobs ending up in the Commonwealth Public Service.
Speakers in favour of a better Enterprise Bargaining Agreement at UQ
Damien Cahill – NTEU President
Andrew Bonnell – historian and chief negotiator. Andrew is an Associate Professor, History at University of Queensland and NTEU Branch President.
Dr Kelly Greenop – School of Architecture and academic representative on EBA team.
Song
Tracey Chapman – Stand by Me
Striking workers sing ‘stand by me’ at UQ
Damien Cahill – NTEU President speaking in the Great Court at UQ
Dr Kelly Greenop – School of Architecture and academic. Kelly is one of the core union activists making her case on behalf of NTEU members.
Ian Curr
4 May 2023