Temporary TAFE teacher scare tactics

Advice that it is not in the best interests of part time TAFE teachers to become temporary teachers is wrong, writes PHIL BRADLEY.

Federation has received several phone calls from members saying that head teachers and/or managers have told long serving part time casual teachers that it is in their interest that they should not seek the benefits of being a temporary TAFE teacher. The reason given is that if they do, they may lose all their teaching hours, if a displaced or excess teacher or even someone seeking transfer wants the job, as these teachers would have first priority for appointment.

This is clearly a scare tactic.

Although it is feasible that there could be a suitable displaced and excess teacher (currently working elsewhere) who is interested, it would be highly unlikely that they wanted the specific position. In any case, there should be hundreds of temporary teacher positions created for part time casuals teaching more than 19 hours per week for 12 weeks or more in NSW. At this time, Federation is only aware of two displaced teachers who may consider seeking a temporary teacher appointment.

In regard to transfer applicants (compassionate and otherwise), transfers only relate under TAFE policy to substantive positions, not to temporary teacher positions.

The TAFE Temporary Teacher Policy gazetted on June 30, 2005 states that suitable long term part time casual and temporary teachers in the institute of the temporary teacher vacancy have second priority for appointment, only after suitable displaced and excess employees in the NSW public sector.

Federation has raised the unsatisfactory progress of some institutes in appointing temporary teachers with the Department and the union has received an undertaking that this matter will be taken up with the relevant institutes.

Members are reminded that the appointment of temporary teachers and improved conditions for part time casual teachers arising from the pro rata case in the Industrial Relations Commission has been fully funded by Treasury. If sections have not received the necessary additional funds, then this should be taken up with TAFE management and if problems continue, contact Federation.

Phil Bradley is the Assistant General Secretary (Post School Education).

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