CAUT’s annual Fair Employment Week (FEW) took place online this year with a number of virtual events held across the country. CAUT organized a series of webinars focused on issues that matter to contract academic staff (CAS).

Kicking off the week on October 19, a panel showcased how academic staff associations have organized and won victories for CAS over the past year. Sam Trosow, associate professor at Western University, held a professional development session for CAS on protecting intellectual property in the time of COVID. Liz Morrish, an independent scholar and activist from the United Kingdom, presented on how the pandemic has created breach points for the future of labour, pedagogy and values in higher education. FEW also included a social media day of action and a digital “social” to talk about the unique issues contract academic staff are experiencing, discuss strategies to improve working conditions, and celebrate the work and contributions of CAS to our universities and colleges.

FEW takes place annually in October to raise awareness about precarious employment on campuses and support local organizing to improve the working conditions of CAS.