Dr. Robert Austin, academic and long-time union activist, was dismissed in October 2005 for failing to 'fit' his new work environment in International and Community Studies. Dr Austin has never been provided with the alleged documentation on which management claimed to have based his dismissal, nor the opportunity to respond. The notice of dismissal took place after Andrew Bolt in the Herald Sun (August 2005) attacked Dr Austin for rescheduling classes so that students could attend a protest against the government’s “voluntary student unionism” (VSU) legislation, this was in line with NTEU policy.

The dispute is about to go before the Australian Industrial Relations Commission. The NTEU is advising the barrister. Termination will take effect on 24 April. Robert Austin suppporters are organising a Solidarity Fiesta on April 15 at the Comrades Bar and have set up a fighting fund.
Download: Leaflets for Solidarity Fiesta

Union Solidarity has endorsed the fundraiser and urges all our supporters to attend.

More info: Solidarity Fiesta | Defend Robert Austin Website | Online Protest Letter to RMIT | Brief background

Labels: Community Protest, Robert Austin