HOW THE UNION WORKS
Led by members.
Built for action.
The NTEU NSW Division is a democratic union driven by its members – not managed from the top down. We believe in collective action and distributed leadership. That means involving members in decisions, building strong local branches, and backing each other across institutions and roles.
Here’s how we’re organised…
Branches on every campus
Each university has its own NTEU Branch. Members elect representatives, run campaigns, and bargain for better conditions locally. Your Branch is where you can shape the union’s direction and act on the issues that matter to you.
State-level coordination
The NSW Division connects and supports university branches across the state. We coordinate campaigns, bargaining strategy, and legal support. Our staff and elected leaders work to amplify local action and win statewide change.
Decisions made together
We debate openly, make decisions collectively, and act in solidarity. Democracy is what gives us legitimacy – but unity and follow-through are what give us strength.
Democratic, representative leadership
Our leadership is elected by members and must reflect the diversity of our union – across academic and professional roles, permanent and insecure contracts, and including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members. We believe leadership is only effective when it is representative.
Strategic action, not just service
We’re not a call centre or a legal backstop. We build collective power. That means fostering self-activity among members, creating space for new leaders, and focusing our resources on action that can win – in the workplace and across the sector.
NTEU structure and governance
The Union is organised across three levels: the National Office, State and Territory-based Divisions and workplace-based Branches in each of the nation’s universities, as well as Branches covering members in other higher education providers.
You can read more about our national structure and governance in the NTEU’s policy manual.
