Eligibility for Permanent Employment
To be eligible to become a permanent employee under the Employee Choice Pathway, you need to meet the following criteria:
- You have been employed for 6 months or more at your current workplace.
- You no longer meet the definition of a ‘casual worker’.
A worker is considered casual if there is no firm, advance commitment to continuing and indefinite work.
If you’re covered by an Enterprise Agreement that includes a casual conversion clause, this clause will continue to apply during the life of the Agreement, along with the Employee Choice Pathway.
The Benefits of Permanent Work
The SDA and the union movement worked with the Albanese Government to secure these rights for casual workers, clearly define casual work, and create more secure jobs.
Permanent work gives you greater security at work and in life.
- Part-time workers generally have a set roster and a guaranteed number of hours per week, which is agreed upon by you and your employer.
- You’ll have a firm commitment in advance from your employer to ongoing, patterned work.
- Any changes or reduction in your hours cannot occur without consultation.
How to Apply for Permanent Employment
If you believe you’re eligible to become a permanent employee, here’s what you need to do:
- Provide written notice to your employer letting them know you want to become permanent as you believe you no longer meet the definition of a casual employee.
Once you’ve submitted your request, your employer must respond in writing within 21 days. They must also consult with you before responding.
Support from the SDA
The SDA is here to help all casual workers apply and ensure that your employer takes this request seriously. If you need assistance, we’re here for you!
These laws were fought for and won by unions to give you more opportunities to become permanent, providing you with greater stability and security in your hours and pay.
