Professionals Making A Difference
I think that I have not been given enough vacation time and I would like to have this corrected. Is there anything that the union can do to help?
Yes, the union has negotiated a process for administering the resolution of workplace issues. The first thing to do is raise the issue with your excluded manager. That discussion is in fact the first step in the negotiated grievance process in Article 5.1. The language in Article 5 encourages such a discussion with the hope that the issue in dispute can be resolved amicably. In the above scenario, the employee and the manager would conduct a review of the employee's start date and the application of Article 13.1 (vacation). Should the issue remain unresolved, you can ask the union to provide written notice of the issue at Step 2 of the grievance process. That notice must be filed within 30 days of the issue that gave rise to the difference. If it is still not possible to resolve the matter the Union may have the difference heard by an arbitration panel in accordance with Article 5.
I talked with others in my area and it seems that everyone has the same complaint. Is there any way to deal with all the complaints at the same time?
Yes. If something adversely affects members, they can take the issue to a union member of the Labour-Management Committee. This committee meets to resolve problems without the need for grievances or where a grievance would not be possible.
If the Employer introduces a policy that violates the collective agreement and affects all members or the union generally, the union can file a policy grievance. A policy grievance is submitted to the employer in writing within 60 days of the issue arising.
I have just been hired. Is there a probationary period?
Yes, for new hires the probationary period is six months. If you are deemed to be unsuitable in this six month period, you may be terminated. Suitability is determined on the basis of quality of work, conduct, ability to work harmoniously with others, attitude and meeting work performance standards se by the Law Society.
If you think you are at risk of being rejected on probation, it is important that you contact your PEA Labour Relations Officer as soon as possible.
I have just been told I need to meet with my supervisor for a performance review. Do I have any rights in this review?
Yes. While the Law Society can conduct a formal performance review, after the review is completed you must be given a reasonable opportunity to read the review. If you disagree with the formal performance review you have the right to provide your objections in writing and have your response attached to the review. The review and your response cannot be put on your personnel file and the information cannot be provided to another employer, or prospective employer.
I resigned from a PEA position at the Law Society last month. I have now returned to a PEA position. Do I retain any rights under the collective agreement?
Yes. If you resign and are re-employed within 60 days, the interregnum can be considered a leave of absence and you can retain all rights in relation to seniority and other benefits. Contact your Labour Relations Officer for more information about this.
I have decided to care for my young child full-time until she starts kindergarten at five years old. If I come back to the Law Society, will I retain any rights under the collective agreement?
Although you will not retain your collective agreement rights, you can recover some of them. If you have been continuously employed by the Law Society for at least three years, declare your reason for resignation, work on a very limited basis and are rehired within six years you can apply to have your service prior to your resignation re-instated. Your application to have your previous service re-instated can be made after successful completion of the probationary period.
I am thinking of changing my area of practice within the Law Society. Will I be advised if is there are vacancies?
Yes. The Law Society must send a notice of vacancies to your work email address at least six (6) days before the closing date of any posted position. If you provide an alternate email address, the notice will be sent to that email box at the same time.
I seem to be working night and day. Can I be expected to work every night and weekend to finish my work?
No. While working professionals are expected to commit as much time as needed to perform their duties, your work should normally fit into a thirty-five hour week. If the work is excessive, you should discuss it with your manager. Your manager will either take steps so that you do not have to work excessively or arrange with you so that you can take some time off without losing pay.
My work has changed over time and I am not sure what my duties are or should be. Do I have a right to see a description of my job?
Yes. Each employee must be given a copy of the job description for their position. Ask your supervisor.
I was on vacation over the Easter weekend. Am I able to recover the two days for the Good Friday and Easter Monday designated holidays when I return from vacation?
Yes. The two days for Good Friday and Easter Monday are not calculated as part of your vacation. If you took a ten day vacation using the week before and the week after the Easter weekend, your vacation bank should only be charged for eight (8) vacation days.
