Before the May 30 national strike by members of the National Tertiary Education and Industry Union, Canberra Resistance member NICK SOUDAKOFF spoke to the union's Australian National University branch industrial organiser, NICK SELLARS, about the academics' campaign.
Question: What will be the impact of the budget proposals?
The cuts are going to be pretty indiscriminate. To some degree, it will be left up to each university to implement them. Whole faculties may go at some places, while attrition will be the method elsewhere. Academics and general staff alike will be badly affected.
We want to influence the budget process to minimise the impact on the education sector and have our members' pay claim forwarded. The budget proposals aren't set in concrete, so now is the time to get our views across.
Question: The mainstream press is arguing that due to funding cuts, the NTEU's pay claim is unachievable.
Three months ago, under a Labor government, we were campaigning for the 15% pay rise. Nothing has changed in terms of university funding structures. Company profits are now at a record high. There is still the money around. In a public sector like education, the emphasis has to be on building the sector as an investment for Australia's future.
The Liberal government sees it only as a cost. We have to turn that around. Five or 10 years down the track the real cost will be seen in terms of the quality of education and the type of research that happens here.
Question: What plans for action do you have?
The NTEU campaign involves a national week of action May 27-31, including a national strike day and mass rallies focusing on the Department of Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs on May 30.
All branches are also implementing bans to keep the heat on the universities and encourage people to find out about the issues.
The NTEU is also forming a coalition with the vice-chancellors' committee, NUS, postgraduate students and an organisation of university graduates. Its role is to lobby.
Question: What is the sentiment at ANU around the proposals to withhold first semester results or refuse to re-enrol students in second semester?
It is the dilemma for the NTEU. We want to influence the government without hurting students. We have tried everything with this and the previous government: lobbying, rallies outside Parliament House, non-disruptive actions.
It is a line that we want to walk jointly with student organisations. The NTEU has a strong history of cooperation with student organisations. Some disruption will be unavoidable, but we need to put to students that this is vital to the campaign to defend their education.
Question: How can students help the campaign?
Student numbers have increased by 40% in the last 10 years. This results in larger classes to get more cost-effectiveness, and less one to one teaching, field trips etc. Subjects which are commercially viable are seen as the way to go. We are concerned about quality education and job opportunities later on for students. Our pay rise is a part of winning this back.
Students need to get involved in campaigns and organisations fighting against the cuts. We need to encourage them to take action, stand up for what is right and set an example.