Most simply, the workload review is a mandatory check-in with a TA or TM’s course supervisor to try and predict whether they will exceed the maximum hours set out by their contract!
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Why is this important?
To ensure you get paid for all the work you do!
If it is expected that the workload will exceed this maximum by the end of the semester, steps need to be taken to address this possible overwork, either by reducing the workload or providing additional compensation. The Union is notified of every workload review that predicts overwork so we may confidentially get in touch to find out what’s going on. Here are a few key points on the workload review for your reference:
- The workload review must be completed in consultation with the TA/TM!
Sometimes the form gets filled out without the TA/TM’s involvement, which doesn’t make sense. After all, you can’t understand someone’s workload without talking to them! - The workload review does not necessarily need to happen in week 5!
It is a common misconception that they must be completed in week 5, but this is not the case! It is important that the workload review takes place after the course has progressed enough to assess the workload. Usually this would be after the first big assignment or midterm has been marked, but that timeline will look different depending on the course! - It is possible to have more than one workload review!
The monitoring of workload is an ongoing process, and we can have multiple workload reviews if we believe we will overwork. TSSU members’ workloads are highly variable and it is possible to go over hours even after you’ve had a workload review that predicted that you would not. To do this, submit a written request to your Department Chair outlining the problem, and they will review the request within 10 days of the request. - If the workload review predicts you will go over hours, it is not a criticism of the TA/TM, Course Supervisor, or course!
In the world of remote teaching, the intensity and volume of our members’ work has grown significantly, but in many cases our contracts have not been adjusted accordingly. We expect many people to go over hours this summer (and into fall!), so be sure to Log Your Hours so that you have a good sense of your workload, know your rights, and put us in a good place to advocate for you to get paid for all your work this summer.
