This is a list of frequently asked questions and answers that may be of interest in Local 353 members.
Q) If I need to take a day off to stay with a sick child, how should I report it to my supervisor and H.R. attendance records?
A) This type of absence should be reported under article 12.2 (paid leave of absence). You should not use a sick day for when your children are sick. Sick days (i.e. short-term disability) should only be used when you are unable to attend work due to personal illness.
Q) In what situations can I claim article 12.2?
A) Article 12.2 can be used in many different situations, including the illness of a family member, the death of a family member not covered under article 12.5 (bereavement leave), a family emergency, inability to travel to work safely due to bad weather and many other situations. Management may challenge a request to use article 12.2 in a given situation, but if a grievance is filed the final decision may rest with an arbitrator.
Q) What is the provision regarding reimbursement for safety boots?
A) The employer will reimburse the employee up to $150 per year for footware required by the college or legislation to perform his/her duties. Receipt for the purchase must be submitted by March 1 to receive the reimbursement by April 1 of the same year.
Q) How do I file a grievance?
A) You should read Article 18 of your Collective Agreement, there are several types of grievances. Contact your Shop Steward or Local Officer for assistance.
There are time restrictions around grievances so be sure to work within the time limits.
Don’t hesitate, stand up for your rights, you may lose them if you wait too long.
FYI – Classification Grievances, Article 18.4.1.1 – “It is understood that there shall be NO retroactive payment prior to the date of presentation of the written grievance as specified above.”
So if you have a Supervisor that is “working” on your PDF in an attempt to reclassify your position, you will only recieve your new rate of pay when the PDF is signed/sealed and delivered. If you file a grievance, you get it back to the date on the grievance.