Each year, Fair Employment Week shines a spotlight on the precarious and often overlooked working conditions experienced by contract academic staff (CAS). The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) Make It Fair campaign positions FEW as more than a symbolic moment — it’s an opportunity to galvanize support, change public conversations, and strengthen collective bargaining efforts to better support CAS colleagues.
This year, Fair Employment Week is October 20 to 24.
Why does this matter? Contract instructors and other contingent staff often comprise a significant portion of campus labour yet lack job security, adequate compensation, or formal recognition for their full workload. CAUT’s pro-rata model is a practical reform that helps ensure contract staff are paid fairly for all aspects of their work — not just contact hours.
When campuses commit to fair employment practices, the gains extend beyond individual staff: stable, respectful work conditions support higher-quality teaching and a healthier academic environment. FEW is a moment to convert awareness into meaningful steps toward dignity, security, and equity for the people who keep universities running. Join FEW actions on your campus this year.