Menzies building update

The following text is an excerpt from a brochure recently produced by the Branch and distributed to the members currently located in the Menzies building.

Early in 2006 as the lifts and escalators broke down, people using the stairs experienced a pedestrian log-jam in the building that was potentially very dangerous. Once again, the Menzies was not coping with the demands upon it and things were to get worse with the treatment of the facade, the removal of the shutters, the noise, the heat and the dust. The university was content to consider the future of this landmark building without reference to the staff and little reference to the students.

The NTEU forced the university to pay attention to user concerns and to consult us on behalf of staff about what was happening in the short term and what would be the long-term future of the Menzies.

At a time when staff in particular are facing severe disruption as it becomes their turn to move, the silence and lack of consultation screams loudly. We bring you this leaflet to remind you of what has happened, and to suggest what must. And what must happen is a proper consultative process that allows people affected by the process to have a say at that time and in its lead-up. We see the best way for that is to be school-based, though the OHS issues of the building must
be more widely canvassed.

This silence must end and you must have an opportunity for input. We have written to the Vice Chancellor seeking participation in an operational committee that meets regularly. This special brochure is about the Menzies and our plans for ensuring you again have an organised voice. We encourage you to go to the Branch website and refer to the Menzies documents stored there. Above all, get involved - so that you have a voice.