NTEU Victorian Division secretary, Matthew McGowan, said the agreement proposed by management sought to reduce important employment conditions and included inadequate salary increases.

"University of Ballarat staff deserve better," Mr McGowan said.

"Management needs to be forced back to the negotiating table to provide a more acceptable offer.

"University management effectively refused to negotiate the terms of the agreement with union representatives or elected staff representatives and now staff are being asked to vote on this agreement

on a take-it-or-leave-it basis."

University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kerry Cox, said staff would have five days between October 17-21 to vote on the agreement.

"I thank the many staff who took the time to consider the draft agreement over the past few weeks and to provide their comments, most of which were very thoughtful and constructive," he said.

"As part of this consultation, I can announce general staff will now receive more than 14 months' back pay and the average payment will be in excess of $1600.

"Furthermore, this back pay amount will not be taxed as a lump sum.

"Overall, the cumulative salary increase of 17 per cent for academic staff and 15.64 per cent for general staff through to 2008 are sustainable and together with other options, compare favourably with other

employment options."

The university has contracted SecureVote Pty Ltd to arrange and conduct the ballot for the agreement.