Meeting Report
University Consultative Committee (TAFE)
Meeting No:
UCC3/10
Date and Time:
13 May 2010 at 1:30pm
Venue:
Barry Room, SMB
Present:
Deborah Walker (Chair)
Andrew Cleary
Greg Furness
Julie-Anne Noble
Erich Sinkis (AEU)
Carl Trotta
Wes Walker
In attendance:
Notes:
1.
Shelley Nash
WELCOME
The Chair welcomed all members to the meeting, and thanked them for their flexibility in
re-scheduling.
2.
APOLOGIES
Nil.
3.
REPORT FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
Accepted as circulated.
4.
ACTIONS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS REPORT
4.1
Christmas/New Year Close down period – 3 days ex-gratia
Management representatives had discussed the matter with Heads of Schools and
PVC(S&P). Feedback received regarding the 3 days was somewhat inconsistent.
However it was decided that these days would be ex-gratia, not non-attendance time.
Management would communicate this to Heads.
4.2
AEU Representative – sessional teacher
Discussion took place on whether, and what, allowance is payable for a Casual or
Sessional teacher undertaking Union Representative responsibilities. Wes noted that VTA
advice had been received that allowances were only available for full- or part-time staff
members, with such allowances not being applicable to sessional staff.
Carl noted that casual and sessional teachers were employed only to teach. There is no
allowance for “other scheduled duties”.
The AEU advised that they would seek further advice.
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4.3
Subject: Meeting Report: 13 May 2010, UCC3/10
Course Complexity Hours Formula
Carl reported that he has prepared a paper based on feedback from Heads. A meeting
will now be held with the PVC (S&P) to discuss a way forward.
4.4
Work Plan – monitoring/audit
Erich requested some numbers regarding the level of Work Plan compliance from
Schools. He suggested a pro-forma e-mail be sent to Heads of Schools to find out how
many staff were in their area, how many Work Plans had been done, and how many were
still pending (and why).
Deborah and Carl would develop a process.
4.5
Prisons attendance patterns
Carl noted that he has drafted letters for the staff concerned regarding new arrangements.
There were some queries regarding commencement times which will need to be
confirmed with the Head, Western Campuses (who is currently on leave). Once
confirmed, the letters will be sent.
5.
GENERAL BUSINESS
5.1
Recognition of course co-ordination on teachers’ Work Plans and position descriptions
Discussion took place on instances where teachers were being asked to undertake
program co-ordinator duties, yet they were not being properly recognised. Greg noted
examples of staff members doing 18-25 hours of co-ordination per week, but who were
only receiving 2 hours in their Work Plans. Julie-Anne noted that some teachers who
were teaching 3 units from a course of 15 units, were given co-ordination duties for the
whole program.
Julie-Anne and Greg will try to obtain 4 “live” examples of where this is happening for the
Committee to examine. Once examined, any resultant recommendations would be
forwarded to the relevant Heads of Schools.
6.
OTHER BUSINESS
6.1
Workforce Initiatives
Erich noted that the consultation process was well set out and comprehensive, and the
timelines appeared appropriate. He appreciated the Vice-Chancellor’s explanation
regarding UB’s finances and spending, which would assist the unions in providing
information to members.
Erich also wanted to acknowledge that the AEU was positive about the industrial climate.
He understood the issues facing UB and looks forward to working on a co-operative basis
throughout the process. He noted the AEU would be speaking to its members about the
proposal to close down for an additional few days at Christmas/New Year. He thought it
sounded good, and was a reasonable proposition for members to consider.
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Subject: Meeting Report: 13 May 2010, UCC3/10
Feedback on the website was also positive, in particular the video of the Vice-Chancellor’s
message. Julie-Anne noted the unions appreciated being involved in development of the
information documents. It has enabled them to understand what is being proposed, and
therefore being able to answer queries more quickly. She also suggested keeping
Workforce initiatives as a standing item for the time being.
2:25pm - meeting closed.
Next meeting:
20 July 2010 at 9:30am
Business Development Meeting Room, SMB Campus
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