An education union claims the Australian Catholic University has failed to meet COVID-19 health and safety obligations by not adequately consulting with staff about returning to work on campus.
The National Tertiary Education Union claims ACU management forced its workers to come back on site last Monday without any guidelines around rapid antigen testing or classroom ventilation.
"Our staff were informed they would return to campus in January 2022 without regard for their circumstances, concerns, or preferences," NTEU ACU branch president Leah Kaufmann said.
"ACU management must provide the required consultation."
The NTEU has written to workplace safety regulators in four states.
But the university has rejected the union's claims, saying it has ensured its campuses are safe spaces for staff and students.
"ACU has engaged in extensive and ongoing consultation throughout the pandemic," Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr Stephen Weller told AAP.
"We have resumed normal campus operations this week and have shared our detailed COVID Risk Plan with all campus based WHS Committees and our staff unions."
The university maintains it has provided masks to all students and staff who will be in close contact, in line with public health requirements.
Ventilation measures have also been in place throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
But Dr Kaufmann said the university's workers have not received such assurances.
"ACU staff have demonstrated commitment and diligence in teaching and research, and in supporting students and learning throughout the pandemic," she said.
"They have done this on campus and remotely as directed and in the face of significant uncertainty.
"Staff are asking only for what the laws require - an assurance that ACU is taking all the reasonably practicable measures to ensure their safety."
Australian Associated Press
