Together we make a difference!
Universities: Uncertain and undemocratic
Working conditions at Austrian universities have steadily deteriorated in recent years. 80% of academics at Austrian universities are employed on a temporary basis. At the JKU, only about one in ten academics in mid-level positions – excluding professors – has a permanent employment contract. Universities are strongly hierarchically organised and there is little co-determination by mid-level faculty. Only 6 out of 26 members of the JKU Senate are mid-level faculty.
The competitive pressure is destroying science.
The precarious situation leads to an increase in competitive pressure, with far-reaching consequences for universities and their employees:
Employees are losing out: Fixed-term contracts make it difficult for employees to plan privately or professionally for the long term. Together with the chain contract regulation, fixed-term contracts result in a ‘quasi-professional ban’ after 8 years at a university. Constant competition, stress and unlimited working hours lead to psychological strain.
Universities are losing out: What counts in the rankings are publications. Good teaching, committee work and public knowledge transfer fall by the wayside. Insecure working conditions lead to a brain drain of academics to the private sector. Excellent research with a critical eye is lost in the stress, competitive pressure and uncertainty.
In favour of good science and working conditions
As Netzwerk Unterbau Wissenschaft, we are committed to the de-hierarchisation of universities and the de-precarisation of our employment relations. So that we can do good science under safe working conditions. Come to the plenary meeting to inform yourself, network and discuss joint activities. We look forward to seeing you!
Unterbau Linz together with GÖD OÖ