‘We have had enough’: thousands of staff at the University of Sydney walk off the job over AI, job security

On Wednesday, thousands of staff at the University of Sydney went on strike over concerns about the use of artificial intelligence (AI), job security, workload fairness, and trust in the institution. The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) at Sydney University, led by Peter Chen, branch president, said management had refused to enforce appropriate protections around AI.

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences staff gave a 0% approval to the statement that they trust the university to act in the best interests of staff, students, and the broader community.

Around 2,000 members walked off the job, with about 500 stationed at picket lines at each of the inner Sydney campuses' entrances, holding flags, banners, and megaphones. The university advised students to move most classes online due to the strike. Union members expressed their concerns about the lack of senior leadership at the bargaining table, including the provost. The university maintains that industrial action is premature and that they agree on the need for ethical AI use.

Concerns extend beyond AI to include issues like growing class sizes, reduced student satisfaction, and a new proposal for teaching roles with no research component or future growth. Prof. Laura Shepherd, part of the bargaining team, emphasized that students often sacrifice significantly to attend the university, and any threats to the quality and access to research leaders should be avoided.

The NTEU at Sydney, the largest in Australia, is grappling with continued opposition to its response to Gaza and restrictions on protest. University restrictions on free speech and activism motivated the Student Representative Council to join the picket line in solidarity with staff. Despite campus security and police presence, the picket lines displayed a joyful atmosphere, with students and staff selling baked goods to raise funds for those on strike.