Dozens of conversions from casual to permanent at QUT

By Mike Oliver Senior State Organiser, Queensland Division

More than thirty NTEU members at QUT have used strong new provisions in the current Enterprise Agreement – negotiated between the NTEU and management at the University – to convert their roles into ongoing, secure positions.

Lee’s story Lee is a Professional in the Business School as part of the Teaching and Learning team, based at Gardens Point. She has worked for QUT since 2011. Life on contract work is rarely fun, but the uncertainty that would face each fixedterm worker towards the end of their contract is something else altogether. ‘I was on a two-year contract. Sometimes you wouldn’t know if your contract had been renewed until thirty minutes from expiry,’ said Lee. Lee said she had four such contracts over eight years. ‘I know of some people who have been doing the same job for fifteen years – all the time on one or two-year contracts.’ Lee said the process was made simple with the help of QUT Organiser Erin Campbell. ‘The process was flawless. Erin helped with a suggestion of what I could write – that we then adapted together to match my particular circumstances. Easy! It wasn’t that long either between when I submitted the application and finding out I got the ongoing position.’ ‘It is so good to have a secure job I can depend on,’ said Lee. Tessa’s story Tessa is an Academic who teaches technical production in QUT’s Creative Arts section at Kelvin Grove. She owes her ongoing position to a colleague who ‘dragged’ her into an " It is so good to have a secure job I can depend on Lee, QUT

NTEU meeting at which Erin explained the processes and eligibility for fixed-term conversions.

‘I feel good having an ongoing position. Just knowing that I can make plans, both professionally and personally, is a great stress relief. I am doing so much more long-term thinking, and have a completely different perspective on the opportunities I do see.’

‘The last Christmas was just the second time I had paid leave over the holiday,’ said Tess. ‘Across my time, I have had to sign 75 contracts. It is just so nice to have an ongoing job.’

The NTEU has achieved clauses for the conversion of Professional, Academic, or both type of workers at many universities. If you are a fixed-term or casual worker who has been performing the same role for several years, you should talk to your local NTEU Branch Organiser.

Below: NTEU members Lee and Tessa.