What's that Article?
A FT Cook with 5 years seniority wants to know if she's being paid properly.
Where do you look to see if it's right?
The wage grid
Does the Collective Agreement provide all of the rights that members have?
No.
There are many pieces of legislation including the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Human Rights Code, the Employment Standards Act, etc. that also contain many important rights for members.
What is a mitigating factor and give an example?
A mitigating factor is something that minimizes or reduces cause for discipline. For example, a nurse forgot to sign a MAR because a resident died and the floor was short. PSW was late because it was a big snow storm.
What is the first step when a member comes to you and wants to file a grievance?
Ask if they've spoken with their immediate supervisor first, if they have not, go with them to speak with their supervisor.
What does SEIU stand for?
Service Employees International Union
A part-time member with 10, 000 seniority hours is asking about his vacation entitlement, what article number do you look at and how much vacation is he entitled to?
3 weeks vacation at 6% of earnings
Do you ever have the right to go on strike?
No.
You are bound under legislation that prohibits you from striking.
What is the term for how long it takes a discipline to come off a member's record?
Sunset clause
Where do you call to get a grievance number?
The Member Resource Centre.
What is the name of the call centre at the Union that members can call for information?
The Member Resource Centre or 'MRC'
A member wants to know how long his suspension will be on his record for if he doesn't file a grievance.
What article number do you look at and how long until it comes off?
Article 12.04 b)
18 months
What is the difference between retiring and quitting?
There is none.
Both result in losing all seniority and rights afforded under the Collective Agreement.
If a member was suspended for breaching a policy, and she admits to breaking the policy, does she still have the right to file a grievance?
YES!
Just because someone breaks a policy does not mean the discipline was fair OR warranted.
What is the final stage of the grievance process?
Arbitration.
What is name your SEIU Staff Representative?
Sara Mitchell!
This one's for fun, you better know my name by now!
A FT member wants to know how much she gets for vision care.
What article do you look at in the CA, and how much coverage does she get?
Article 22.01 d)
$250.00/24 months
A member told you that the manager approached them and said they'd give them an extra shift if they waived the right to overtime pay.
Is this allowed by the Collective Agreement?
NO!
The CA provides important rights and those rights cannot be waived. Management is not allowed to negotiate directly with staff.
What is a steward's role in the initial disciplinary meeting with management?
Taking notes!
It is important to keep track of what is said for use in a possible grievance meeting later.
After filing a grievance with the Employer, what do you do with the other copies of the grievance?
Give one to the grievor, fax one to the Union and keep one.
What is the number for the Member Resource Centre?
1-877-672-7348 (1-877-MRC-SEIU)
A new member wants to know how many hours it takes to qualify for the NHRIPP pension.
What is the article number that you check, and how many hours is it?
Article 27.01 (.01)
450 hours
Does the Collective Agreement provide rights to Scarborough Retirement Residence?
Yes.
Management Rights are a part of the Collective Agreement that gives the company rights over certain aspects of their business. The Union has the right to grieve when these rights are abused.
If a member is terminated, what legislation do you reference on the grievance form?
The Ontario Human Rights Code.
Can a member file a grievance against another member?
NO!
If a member is having an issue with a co-worker, i.e. harassment, the Employer needs to conduct an investigation and try and fix the issue, if the member is still unsatisfied, then we can file a grievance against the Employer for not protecting that member effectively.
What is the name of SEIU Healthcare's President?
Sharleen Stewart