The University of Newcastle has apologised for any "confusion or distress" caused by an "inaccurate" job ad that suggested sessional or casual academic staff would see their pay cut.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Staff told the Newcastle Herald they were "shocked and feel deceived" about the Seek listings for School of Nursing and Midwifery sessional jobs leading postgraduate and undergraduate programs and as professional experience facilitators, which for the first time asked applicants - including existing casual academics - to provide any teaching qualifications.
The listings said they would be paid under Schedule 2, Salary Rates and Allowances for Teachers, "Minimum Salaries for Casual Staff".
A staff member who declined to be named said this category usually relates to TAFE teachers and English as a second language teachers.
The staff member said less than 50 per cent of sessional academics had teaching qualifications but were hired based on expertise.
Sessional staff are currently paid under Schedule 1, Salary Rates for Academic Staff, which has different rates for a tutorial, lecture, clinical education, marking or other academic activity.
The staff member said under Schedule 2, they would be paid a lower, standard rate.
A UON spokesperson said details in the ads had been incorrect.
They have since been updated.
"The University of Newcastle has investigated the claims raised by staff directly to our HR team and to the Herald," the spokesperson said.
"We can confirm that the Expression of Interest released to market contained some inaccurate information.
"To avoid further confusion, a pause has been issued on this recruitment process. We will review and correct documentation, including the terms and conditions of sessional employment under our enterprise agreements.
"Staff will be advised when the EOI returns to market. We apologise if this error caused confusion or distress.
"We look forward to all sessional staff applications for positions in 2021."
The staff member said this did not explain why the new payment codes had been added to the time sheet system.
They said existing staff hadn't received an apology or clarification.
"I don't believe them," they said.
"What does this say about their due diligence process when they're doing this at a time where staff are under extreme duress ... during COVID?
"This has created a lot of mistrust and angst."
While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here
IN OTHER NEWS:
Helen Gregory
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
