Created 21 February 2019 11:02

Whether known as sessionals, contract academic staff (CAS), or part-time instructors, the number of academic staff working on temporary short-term contracts in Canada is increasing. Since 1999, contract academic labour has almost doubled, while the number of regular professors has increased by only 14%. Today, more than half of all faculty appointments are contract appointments, speaking to the increased casualization of academic work (CCPA Report 2018: Contract U), which is a burden on the economy of each province.

As part of the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) Make it Fair Campaign, university community members are calling on provincial governments to address the challenges faced by CAS through the following measures: introduce a sustainable funding model for the post-secondary sector that allows for faculty renewal, including the conversion of precarious positions into permanent academic jobs. The provincial government can also improve the working conditions of CAS by introducing labour protections that ensure equal pay for equal work, job security, and extended benefits for contract workers.

Please consider writing to your MLA regarding fairness for contract academic staff. You can identify your MLA and their contract information by using this tool: https://www.leg.bc.ca/learn-about-us/members. You can use the sample letter below, or write your own message.

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Sample Letter:

Dear Hon. / MLA _____________ ,

“A Walmart-style education system built on precarious work isn’t good for faculty, and it isn’t good for students.” – Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Whether known as sessionals, contract academic staff (CAS), or part-time instructors, the number of academic staff working on temporary short-term contracts in Canada is increasing. Since 1999, contract academic labour has almost doubled, while the number of regular professors has increased by only 14%. Today, more than half of all faculty appointments are contract appointments, which speakes to the increased casualization of academic work (CCPA Report 2018: Contract U), and creates a burden on the economy of each province.

A recent national survey of CAS by the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) shows that nearly 60% of respondents have been teaching on contract in the post-secondary sector for over five years, and that over half are looking for a tenure-track or full-time, permanent teaching position. This survey also showed that a majority of CAS experience feelings of fear and anxiety about job security and the resulting financial implications. You can read the full CAUT survey report here, and the CCPA survey report here.

As these jobs are ‘teaching only’, CAS rarely receive pay or recognition for administrative activities and service roles, nor for necessary research or professional development to maintain high standards, even though they are regularly completing these duties. Facilities and resources for CAS at many post-secondary institutions are also inadequate, leaving minimal space outside of class to meet with students (which is of particular concern when discussing confidential issues) or to complete prep work for classes. Despite these disadvantages, CAS deliver instructional excellence for their students every day.

Contract academics’ working conditions are students’ learning conditions, and the increased reliance on contract academic staff whose work is unsupported by adequate resources weakens the sustainability and quality of post-secondary education in this country. Precarious employment and poor pay result in an unstable economy and more reliance on government services.

As a member of your constituency, I urge you to take action. It is time for the provincial government to introduce a sustainable funding model for the post-secondary sector that allows for faculty renewal, including the conversion of precarious positions into permanent academic jobs. The provincial government can also improve the working conditions of CAS by introducing labour protections that ensure equal pay for equal work, job security, and extended benefits for contract workers.

With your help, we can end precarious employment in BC’s academic sector!

Regards,

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