Dear Members,
The Union is aware that management continues to take steps to roll out its Attendance Support Program. The Union identified some deficiencies early on in consultations about this program, and many of those concerns remain unaddressed. Management continues to advise the Union that it has not begun meeting with employees under this program, but we would like to remind members to request a union representative if management wishes to speak to you about your attendance.
Unfortunately, the grievance and arbitration process can take some time, and for the moment, the program remains in effect. While we follow the pathways available to us, we want to take this opportunity to remind all members of their right to representation. The Collective Agreement protects your right to have a steward present at any meeting where discipline is reasonably foreseeable, and check-ins under this program certainly qualify.
If you are meeting with your supervisor, and the conversation turns to attendance, you are well within your rights to ask for a steward to be present before the meeting continues. We are reminding members of this suggested script for members to request union representation should they find themselves without union representation in an attendance meeting:
If you have any questions or concerns about this program or any other grievance-related matters, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a steward, or email grievance@ecpbc.ca.
In Solidarity,
Chris Withers
CUPE 8911 Regional Vice President – Lower Mainland