Laura J Shepherd for Branch Committee

Professor, School of Social and Political Sciences, FASS

As a member of the NTEU University of Sydney branch since 2018 and a current member of the NTEU bargaining team, I have experience advocating for members' rights and I would welcome the opportunity to continue to serve the membership on Branch Committee.

My research, teaching, and union work are grounded in feminist, queer, decolonial, anti-racist, and disability justice frameworks. I have been very engaged with academic workload issues over the past few years as I see workload allocation as a key equity concern, intertwined with disability justice: when workloads are excessive or unbalanced, it is usually precariously employed, early-career, and historically marginalised staff who bear the greatest burdens, and staff with disabilities or chronic health conditions are often least able to absorb work intensification.

Every staff member has the right to a safe and accessible work environment and a manageable workload.

If elected to Branch Committee, I will prioritise work on stronger workload protections, improved accessibility, and greater representation for communities that have historically been underrepresented in our branch and our University.

Vote NTEU Renewal.

For Secretary, vote Rebecca Connell.