New data shows thousands of staff members at Australian universities have been underpaid by millions of dollars.
The total amount could surpass $400 million by the end of the year, according to the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU).
It found that 131,471 employees across 30 public universities have been underpaid in 62 incidents in recent years.
Here’s what you need to know.
Underpayments
The NTEU found $203 million in confirmed underpayments. Another $168 million was yet to be paid out and at least $10 million in undisclosed underpayments.
Unis have failed to pay appropriate, penalty, and marking rates correctly and withheld superannuation.
Cases date as far back as 2009, but most analysed occurred after 2014.
The union says the issue has “spiralled beyond a crisis into a national disgrace.”
Recent cases
In January, the Australian Catholic University admitted to underpaying 1,100 staff $3.6 million in the latest case of higher education wage theft.
In April, Melbourne’s Swinburne University admitted to underpaying staff by $2.6 million, while its part-privately owned Swinburne College owed staff $250,000.
Both universities apologised but denied any intent. They’ve said paying affected staff members remains a priority.
Union’s response
The NTEU says university vice-chancellors and senior executives must be willing to be part of the solution.
NTEU National President Dr Alison Barnes says the figure is a “damning indictment of the way university staff are being ripped off by their employers.”
“University staff will not accept any more empty platitudes — it’s time for vice-chancellors to finally face proper scrutiny for this awful behaviour.”
University’s response
Australian Higher Education Industrial Association (AHEIA) is the body that represents universities in workplace relations matters.
Executive Director Craig Laughton said universities have set aside “significant resources to address the issue”.
“Nearly all of the instances of wage underpayments have been self-reported… Universities have reacted swiftly to properly compensate and repay all affected staff — surely this illustrates good faith.”
The Greens
The federal Greens echoed the union’s calls, saying: “It’s time for the Government to fix the broken business model”.
“Enough is enough… The government must take immediate and decisive action by requiring universities to set publicly available targets for increasing permanent employment,” Greens deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi said.
