Secure Work Network.

Secure employment provides the foundation for excellent teaching, high-quality public good research, meaningful student support, academic freedom, institutional memory, risk-taking and innovation and strong relationships with our communities. It strengthens the capacity of tertiary institutions to fulfil their public purpose and enables workers to participate confidently in the life of their workplaces and their union. It is also what is fair and just

However, across universities, wānanga, polytechnics, PTEs and research organisations, increasing numbers of academic, professional, technical and support staff experience insecure employment.

These roles are essential to the success of our institutions, but fixed-term and casual employment have increasingly become the way the tertiary sector responds to inadequate funding. Over time, this risk has been moved onto staff, reshaping what our tertiary institutions are able to do.

The Secure Work Network exists to ensure that secure work remains at the centre of our collective vision for the sector. We bring together members from across Aotearoa to share experiences, build solidarity, support organising, inform bargaining, contribute to research and policy, and advocate for employment practices that strengthen both workers and the institutions they serve.

Whether you are currently in insecure work, have experienced it in the past or simply believe that secure employment is essential to a thriving tertiary education system, you are welcome in this network.

Together, we can build a future where secure work is recognised not only as a workplace right, but as a foundation of quality tertiary education, strong communities and knowledge that serves the public good.