CAUT members can now benefit from new reciprocal membership agreements signed with national academic staff unions in Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

The agreements, which are similar to those already signed with national unions in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, provide CAUT members with rights and privileges when they are temporarily located in the countries who are party to the agreement.

"Reciprocal membership agreements with international higher education unions provide for arrangements whereby members of one organization can benefit from services provided by the other when working temporarily at universities or other higher education or research institution where the host organization is recognized," said CAUT executive director James Turk.

Reciprocity members will be offered the status of "guest membership" in Denmark, Norway and Sweden and "individual associate membership" in Canada while working for a period of up to two years in institutions where parties to the agreements have recognition.

Members have reciprocal access to advice on employment contracts and informal representation if required. Membership privileges also include access to financial and other services normally available to members of the host organization.

"CAUT members who will be visiting professors or are arranging other temporary employment at universities in countries where reciprocal agreements exist should notify us ahead of time so we can advise our international partners," Turk said.

The new agreements were approved at the CAUT Council meeting in Ottawa in November.

Reciprocal membership agreements can be viewed online.