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Article 7 : union release

7.1 The University covers the salary and benefits of the President of the Bargaining Unit's executive committee and is given time off on a full-time basis. The employee retains all the rights and privileges set out in the Agreement as though he had remained in his position. At least thirty (30) calendar days in advance, the President will advise in writing the Principal Negotiator that he is taking a leave for elected union duties in order to perform this work for the Bargaining Unit's executive committee. Thirty (30) calendar days of notice is required for the employee to return to his position at the University.

7.2 Any employee called or elected by the Union to perform union business full time, other than as provided in Article 7.1, will request a job-protected leave without pay for union business, in writing at least thirty (30) calendar days in advance. During the unpaid leave, the Bargaining Unit will repay salaries, premiums, if applicable, and the University's contributions to benefit plans to the University. This employee given time off for union business must provide to the University the probable duration of the absence. Thirty (30) calendar days of notice is required to return to his position at the University.

The University will apply the provisions of Article 16 "Temporary Assignments", for the employees given time off on a full-time basis for more than six (6) calendar months, according to this Article. The vacant position created by this full-time union leave will be filled within thirty (30) calendar days from the beginning of the union leave.

7.3 Within thirty (30) calendar days following ratification of the Agreement and thirty (30) calendar days after each annual general meeting, the Bargaining Unit provides a list to the Human Resources Service, Staff Relations sector, with the following names: the President on full-time leave, in accordance with Article 7.1, the other members given full time leave in accordance with Article 7.2, the employees who are members of the executive committee and their titles within that organization and the employees who will be serving on the labor relations advisory committee. Any changes to these lists will be communicated to the University as soon as possible.

7.4 The University grants one half-day (0.5) per month, at its expense, without loss of salary, to members who are part of the Bargaining Unit's executive committee to attend the committee's meetings. The Bargaining Unit submits to the Principal Negotiator the annual meeting dates schedule of the executive committee not later than January 15th of each year. This Article does not apply to employees given time off under Articles 7.1 and 7. 2.

7.5 The University will give time off, without loss of salary at its expense, to a maximum of four (4) members of the Bargaining Committee to attend bargaining sessions between the parties. Employees already on full-time release in accordance with Articles 7.1 and 7.2 are not included in this bank as members of the bargaining committee.

7.6 All other requests for time off for union business that are not covered in Articles 7.1, 7.2, and 7.4 shall be submitted in writing to the Human Resources Service, Staff Relations sector, at least five (5) working days before the union business. They shall be at the bargaining unit's expense and repaid to the University, including salaries, premiums if applicable, and the University's contributions to benefit plans. Leave shall be taken by half day or full day.

7.7 The University invoices the Bargaining Unit once every three (3) months, and payment is made at the latest within thirty (30) calendar days following the invoice date.

7.8 The parties recognize that operational requirements take precedence and must come before any union business or time off. The University endeavor to accommodate requests for union leave to the extent possible. In cases of conflicting work schedules, the parties may meet to try to identify a solution or to move the dates of union leave.

Meetings Between A Union Representative and An Employee Member of the Bargaining Unit During Working Hours

7.9 A Union representative who wishes to meet with an employee member of the Bargaining Unit during the employee's work hours shall first notify the Human Resources Service, Staff Relations sector.

7.10 An employee member of the Bargaining Unit who wishes to meet with a Union representative who is on union leave, in connection with labor relations matters, during the employee's work hours shall notify the Human Resources Service, Staff Relations sector, and his immediate supervisor beforehand. In case of emergency, a union representative shall contact the Human Resources Service, Staff Relations sector, as soon as possible, but no later than the day of the meeting, so that the supervisor can be notified of the employee's absence.

7.11 The University endeavors to accommodate such meetings. However, if operational requirements or the faculty's needs do not permit a meeting at the desired times, the parties determines a reasonable meeting schedule as soon as possible.

Union Presence Meetings Between Employees and Their Supervisors or With The University

7.12 

  • A member of the Bargaining Unit who is called to a meeting with a University Representative regarding his employment relationship, his employment status, a disciplinary matter, a grievance investigation pertaining to him or the settlement of a grievance, an accommodation or return to work meeting, or investigation regarding a harassment complaint shall be informed of his right to be accompanied by a Union representative, if he so wishes. If a Union Representative is requested, The Bargaining Unit President, or his delegate, shall be the Union Representative to accompany the employee. If the Union Representative is not on full-time release, he shall be given time off for the duration of the meeting at the Bargaining Unit’s expense upon notifying the Human Resources Service, Staff Relations sector. If a Union Representative who is part of the Bargaining Unit’s Executive Committee is not available on campus, the meeting shall be rescheduled at a time where a Union Representative who is part of the Bargaining Unit’s Executive Committee is available.
  • If an employee tells the University that he does not want to be accompanied by a Union Representative, the University will confirm this statement in writing and a copy will be sent to the President of the Bargaining Unit.
  • If no Union Representative is available, the meeting will be postponed.

7.13 Only one Union representative may attend the meeting, and the representative's name shall be given beforehand to the Human Resources Service, Staff Relations sector. The Human Resources Service will also appoint a person to attend such meetings and will notify the Bargaining Unit to that effect.

In exceptional circumstances, and after discussions between the Parties, the Bargaining Unit may elect to have two (2) Union Representatives, one from the Bargaining Unit Executive and the other from the Provincial Office (OSSTF) to attend such meetings. In these situations, only one person will act as the employee's spokesperson and the other one as an observer.