The University of Wollongong's response to the coronavirus has come under fire for the second day straight from the union representing UOW academic staff.
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Associate Professor Georgine Clarsen, the UOW branch president for the National Tertiary Education Union, said a meeting with management failed to address staff's many concerns.
"We left very disappointed at their refusal to seriously engage with our concerns," Ms Clarsen said.
"Good communication with staff is critical for any chance of effectively containing the virus on our campus.
"We left concerned that our management is on the back foot when it comes to dealing with a range of possible scenarios.
"We have written to our VC today asking him to personally intervene."
Ms Clarsen said it was disappointing the university failed to reassure its highly casualised staff their jobs would be safe should they fall ill or have to self-isolate.
"Referring us to NSW Health is only the beginning. We have specific needs," she said.
"Information about how workloads will be managed for well staff as colleagues may fall ill.
"Extra workload involved in putting classes online. How will that be managed? Our staffing levels are already cut to the bone.
"We ask the VC [Paul Wellings] to call a town hall meeting, where he can fully inform staff about plans and hear our concerns.
"We need reassurance that UOW is on the front foot in protecting the health of students and staff, and protecting the livelihoods of those staff who are most vulnerable."
In response to a series of detailed Mercury questions, the UOW issued a two sentence statement : "the University of Wollongong engages with its staff and their representatives directly and in good faith. Out of respect for them and that process, we will not conduct our workplace relations via the media."
Meantime, the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong said it would support casual staff impacted by the COVID-19 virus.
"Our casual teachers and staff are an extremely valued part of our school system. To provide them with some reassurance during this time, we are offering up to 10 days ex-gratia leave to casual staff if they meet certain criteria," a spokesperson said.
The Australian Council of Trade Union praised Wollongong Catholic schools, Macquarie University, Southern Cross University, Woolworths and Telstra for supporting casual employees impacted by COVID-19.
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
