ALIA supplementary statement about casual work in the library and information sector in Australia

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) has been conscious of the growing casualisation of the library and information workforce in recent years.
 
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in 2020 illustrate the fact that casual staff become the most vulnerable of workers when library organisations are faced with shrinking budgets. Furthermore, those currently employed in library work face the brunt of increased workloads as casual staff are stood down.
 
Secure work conditions for our members are an important factor in sustaining a strong, engaged and committed workforce for the Australian library and information sector. ALIA strongly encourages those in positions of power – library management, university heads, school principals, organisation leaders and local councils – to commit to supporting their casual workers.