 How
is casual employment different from other employment?
A casual employee is one who is engaged and
paid by the hour, rather than employed on an ongoing basis or for a
set period on a salary.
Casuals are not normally entitled to paid leave,
and their employment can be terminated by the employer at common law
without notice. On the other hand, casual rates of pay include a loading
(normally 20-25%) to compensate for the lack of leave entitlements,
and casual employees can quit a job without giving notice.
Some casual staff are entitled to some types
of leave (see here).
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What
is a 'Sessional'?
‘Sessional’ is a term used in some universities
to describe casual academic employees, as casual academics are often
employed for ‘sessions’ or semester teaching periods. Some
universities also describe similar but different forms of employment
as sessional, such as at UTS. You should contact your NTEU Branch if
you have any questions.
On this website, the terms
‘casual academic’ and ‘sessional’ are used interchangeably.
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Where
do my rights come from?
Your rights as an employee are set out in legislation,
in your institution’s Collective Agreement, in university policy,
and in your letter of appointment. Your university’s Collective
Agreement negotiated between the Union and university management is
the key place where your rights are set out, and takes precedence over
university policy.
If you are employed in casual work at more
than one university, you should be aware that the Collective Agreements
that cover your working conditions will be slightly different at each
one.
The interpretation of all the sources of your
rights can be quite complex. NTEU can assist you with any issues you
might have.
For reference, you can get a copy of your institution’s Collective
Agreement from your local Branch, or it can be found on the NTEU website
at www.nteu.org.au/rights/agreements
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What
is my local Union Branch?
Your institution’s local Branch office
is referred to throughout this website and is your first port of call
for advice or assistance in relation to your job. Your local Branch
can provide you with more information about NTEU and how it operates
at your institution.
Each Branch has elected representatives including a Branch President
and Secretary (who can also be contacted through your internal directory)
as well as a website with contact information and local news.
There is an NTEU Branch office at almost every
university. Contact details for each Branch can be found at www.nteu.org.au/bd
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When
should I contact the Union?
You don’t have to suffer through employment
problems. NTEU can help you devise a strategy for dealing with your
issues, and assist in making you aware of your rights and options in
confidence. NTEU gives members confidential advice, and we will not
raise individual cases with management without the permission of the
member in question.
You should raise any concerns you have about your work, workplace or
conditions with the Union as soon as possible.
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What
if my supervisor is an NTEU member?
Your issues will be dealt with confidentially.
NTEU will act for you, as the affected employee, regardless of whether
your supervisor (who acts for the University) is an NTEU member or not.
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