Union launches dispute with Deakin University over payments for casuals

Accusations of academics being paid per piece, rather than per hour, comes amid widespread higher education wage complaints

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Download the free Guardian app; get our morning email briefing

The National Tertiary Education Union has accused Victoria's Deakin University of paying casual academics per student assignment marked, rather than an hourly rate, in a formal dispute notice lodged with the institution.

The alleged breach of the institution's enterprise agreement comes amid an underpayment scandal that has plagued Australia's tertiary sector for the past two years. The Fair Work Ombudsman is investigating 11 cases of potential wage theft at universities.

Sign up to receive an email with the top stories from Guardian Australia every morning