Anyone work for a University?

[mealbundy]

Just wanted some feedback for anyone that had worked for a university but not as a professioal in their field (someone with too many phd's). (ie. office worker, helper, etc.) Did they offer you any benefits like medical, dental, etc., vacation time, sick days? Did you have your job for more than six months before their "budget" expired? Or were they too cheap to even give you a "good job" reference? :|

[Puwawa1]

i have full benefits + vacation + sick leave. Although i was just on contract. UNION!!!

[mealbundy]

i have full benefits + vacation + sick leave. Although i was just on contract. UNION!!!


So does the union secure your job (so that you actually have a job after the contract expires?) I was interested in taking a job a university but saw that most job postings were temp jobs under a budget with a probability of renewal which just does not cut it when you have a family to take care of. >:(

[felix]

No benefits for me. It was temp job though, worked as a tech with ResNet a while back.

[rafiki]

I had a summer job...I got a % of pay extra in lieu of benefits ...this was some clause that was created by the union ... all people must be paid benefits or a % in lieu.

[mealbundy]

should i even bother applying? I dont think I can go from job to job being at their mercy.

[UrbanPoet]

should i even bother applying? I dont think I can go from job to job being at their mercy.

yeah its kind of depressing.

[Puwawa1]

So does the union secure your job (so that you actually have a job after the contract expires?) I was interested in taking a job a university but saw that most job postings were temp jobs under a budget with a probability of renewal which just does not cut it when you have a family to take care of. >:(

i was initially on a 1 yr contract, they renewed it for another yr, after working on contract for more than 2 yrs, automatically considered FT (one of the agreement listed by my union). You can take a look at the university's HR website for the actual collective agreements for your position.

Unless the job specifically says its a temp (ie maternity replacement), i see most staff end up turning FT. While u're on contract, u get to apply for internal positions (they don't often hire externals because the relevant experience they're looking for)

i love my job! super relaxing. however pay is not as competitive to the outside world, but i get 2 weeks X'mas break :D and NEVER had an OT so far.

[mealbundy]

thanks for all your feedback!

[Cyber6]

should i even bother applying? I dont think I can go from job to job being at their mercy.


That depends on you.. Do you really need the job?? ... The best time to look for job is when you are working. If your bills are getting paid.. then it is easier to look for exactly the job you want.

Unionized positions are hard to come by. Personally I really don't like the unionized environment... but then again.. they do have job security.


C.