Charter
NTEU has developed a Charter of Casual Academic Rights - a set of the most basic rights to which academic casual and sessional staff should be entitled at all Australian universities.
Many casual and sessional staff are denied these rights, and NTEU maintains there is no justifiable reason for all universities not to sign up to and implement the charter immediately.
Our bargaining claims include these rights as well as broader improvements.
1. Employment Contract
At least 4 weeks notice of engagement for lecturing in a subject, and at least 2 weeks notice for other casual academic work.
At least 4 weeks notice of cancellation of lecturing in a subject, and at least 2 weeks notice of cancellation of other casual academic work.
A written employment contract available at the point of engagement, clearly specifying all duties and amount of time required for each duty, applicable rates of pay for each duty, lines of accountability, whether attendance is required at extra meetings, and professional development opportunities.
2. Payment
Payment for all time worked, including but not limited to teaching, online and face-to-face student consultation, marking, and attendance at induction sessions, lectures and academic work area meetings.
Payment for time worked within 2 weeks of work being performed.
Annual incremental progression to the next salary step upon completion of equivalent of 1 year’s casual work.
3. Facilities & Resources
Designated workstation including networked computer, desk and phone.
Access to the following on the same basis as permanent university staff, from 4 weeks prior to commencement of teaching through to the conclusion of the next teaching period following the teaching period for which the casual is employed:
- library cards
- out-of-hours access
- email accounts
- network and intranet access
- inclusion in the university’s phone book and web directory.
4. Career Path & Professional Development
Comprehensive induction, including explanation of relevant university and work area policies, procedures and administrative functions.
Eligibility to apply for internally advertised positions and professional development opportunities.
Inclusion in academic work area meetings.
No disadvantage in terms of accessing further casual academic work upon obtaining a PhD.
Sidebar
Casual Voices
Have something to say? Add your voiceI am not invited to any meetings, and this year not even to the Christmas party or convening meeting for the program. It is useful to go, if only to be seen by the Head of School, but I never get paid if I do go.
