(2) It makes hiring casual staff more attractive to an employer than hiring full-timers !
You have to pay a casual or part-time pilot a much greater figure per hour than a full-time pilot, this argument makes no sense.
Ie; based on the maximum 900 hours flying a year (average 75 per month or under 20 hours flying per week, leave included)
Single Engine below 1360kg.
Full time salary: $38-$42 per flying hour (including leave loading loss of licence etc...)
Casual Rate: $51+ per flying hour, Penalty rates for weekends, public holidays, after normal working hours etc... apply on top of this.
For the casual rates to match you would have to fly less than 700 hours a year, which is an average weekly total of less than 15 hours including six week leave.
It makes more sense to an operator to employ less pilots full time and make sure they fly the required hours a year.
If the boss just wants you to answer telephones get them to pay you the award for administration work, ASO pay is around $35-$40k a year.