In Canada, about one third of all academic staff in post-secondary institutions are hired on a per course or limited-term basis. The casualization of academic staff mirrors broader trends in the Canadian economy as employers replace permanent, full-time positions with temporary, part-time jobs with less pay and few, if any, benefits.
Each year, thousands of professors are denied the opportunity to participate in all aspects of academic work — teaching, researching and servicing the community — and this has serious implications not only for contract academic staff, but for students, their regular academic staff colleagues, and the integrity of post-secondary institutions and the society.
I express my support to those who stand for the fair treatment of all academic staff regardless of employment status, including compensation for research and service as part of any appointment. Tenure and academic freedom, the ability to conduct research, teaching and service, the opportunity to participate fully in institutional governance, and fair compensation and good working conditions are things that all academic staff should enjoy so that they can offer the best post-secondary education possible.
Fully and fairly employed!
Signed,
Contact Persons
Please keep Robert Johnson and Shelly Melanson informed of your plans, and feel free to share ideas and information on the CAUTcas listserv. If you have any questions, please contact Robert or Shelley by email or at 613-820-2270..