The university says it is difficult to tell how many students will be affected by the 24-hour industrial action.

More than 50 La Trobe Bendigo members of the National Tertiary Education Union voted with staff from other campuses on Wednesday to impose the strike.

Staff will form a picket line on Edwards Road from 8am on Thursday.

National Tertiary Education Union La Trobe branch vice president (academic) and a senior lecturer at the Bendigo campus Graeme Byrne said staff were concerned about academic workloads, pay conditions and upcoming job cuts.

"We've had overwhelming support from staff," Dr Byrne said.

"A lot of staff are really angry," he said.

"People have really got themselves worried about their own futures as well as they way the university is treating staff.

"Workloads are going to increase, leaving less time for research and administration tasks."

Staff at the picket line will talk to drivers about their action but will not stop anyone from entering the campus.

A La Trobe spokesman said the university was committed to resolving a new collective agreement to give certainty and clarity to staff.

He advised students to attend classes as usual.

The Bendigo campus hosts the equivalent of about 4000 full-time students.

More coverage: La Trobe Bendigo staff strike - Day 1