Unions are pushing to improve the security of casual workers by having a clause introduced into modern awards allowing them to become permanent employees.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions is preparing to lodge a claim with the Fair Work Commission as part of its review of the modern award system.
The Fair Work Commission will be required to make a ruling on the ACTU submission and its final decision will become part of the award, which is reviewed every four years.
ACTU president Ged Kearney said it was unfair that casual employees who worked regular shifts and rosters missed out on sick leave and annual holidays. The ACTU submission would not apply to genuine casuals such as students working irregular shifts in bars or restaurants.
"This will recognise people who are permanent workers in everything but name," she said."This is about teachers, receptionists, disability support and aged care workers who are already genuinely working permanent hours and deserve to have that recognised.
"Employers already pay casual workers a loading to make up for them not having sick or holiday pay – so making people permanent will simply give workers those entitlements at no extra cost."
Ms Kearney said Australia's 2.2 million casual workers, who made up 19 per cent of the workforce, were not just "tools for employers". She said the insecurity of their work made it difficult to get bank loans, rent properties and access employment opportunities.
"Casual employees, even if they are working regular hours, live with the knowledge that their jobs are not secure. This makes it harder for them to get loans, rent a house and get access to training and promotion opportunities," she said.
The ACTU will lodge its full submission to the Fair Work Commission in four weeks.
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