Q: When can RMIT TAFE leave be taken?

A: This is negotiable, though usually during the latter part of the year as RMIT prefers staff to use annual leave during January each year. Of course, this is not always possible so TAFE leave can be used whenever it is most convenient for staff and the organisation. The important thing to remember is that RMIT TAFE leave does NOT ACCRUE - use it or you lose it. It is proper holiday time and in this respect differs from non-attendance time.

Q: When is a week?

A: When marking your 42 weeks attendance on your calendar, weeks less than 5 days in length still count as 1 week. For example, the week beginning March 17 is a 4-day week (due to Good Friday). Or the week beginning the 24th, which is a 3-day week. Both of these each count as 1 week of attendance i.e. from Monday March 17 to Friday 28 counts for 2 weeks of attendance.

Q: What is TOIL?

A: TOIL or Time Off In Lieu is NOT an official condition of MECA so when promised TOIL by a manager I would always advise that you get it in writing (unless you feel that you can trust your manager).

Q: What are the rates for excess teaching?

A: During ordinary hours, you get paid an amount of 50% of your ordinary hourly rate for any excess teaching that you do. So if you teach 3 hours over your load and the rate is $30 per hour then you take home an extra $45. This is a minimum.

Q: What is cross-sectoral teaching?

A: This is where you teach into both TAFE and HE programs. This is at the discretion of your local manager and is covered by RMIT's cross-sectoral teaching guidelines.

Q: What time allowance is there for professional development?

A: The MECA stipulates a minimum of 30 hours of PD per year as a scheduled duty.