Teachers take advantage of an information session at Woonona.

Casual teachers learn about their rights

By Siobhan Callan

Casual, temporary and part time teachers were recently provided with opportunities to be updated on their current working conditions as well as discuss issues of importance to all casual employees.

A large number of Federation members in the Illawarra region attended information sessions arranged by Country Organiser Peter Wilson.

Meetings were held at Woonona Bulli RSL on February 22 and at Shellharbour Workers Club on March 1.

Assistant General Secretary John Dixon, Membership Officer Henry Rajendra and Women's Coordinator Siobhan Callan provided information on various issues including current cases in the Industrial Relations Commission pursuing improvements for casual and temporary teachers.

John Dixon explained to members the significance of the classification of temporary teacher, gained by Federation in 2001. This new classification essentially gave casual teachers pro rata access to the same salary and leave conditions as permanent teachers.

Members at the meetings were able to raise concerns relating to temporary and casual employment and have questions answered by Federation Officers.

All principals and casual teachers are reminded that a teacher who is employed for an engagement full time for four weeks or more or an engagement for one to four days a week for two terms or more should be employed as a temporary teacher. Teachers who continue to be employed under these conditions as a casual teacher will not be accessing relevant pay and leave entitlements. (Please note that this does not apply to teachers on leave without pay.)

Members are advised to contact Federation for further information.

Siobhan Callan is the Women's Coordinator.

For further information

March 2005 contents