Foothills Regional Emergency Services Commission Collective Agreement 2023-2025

Article 4: Recognition and Union Business

1. The Employer recognizes the Union as the exclusive bargaining agent for all employees employed in the unit as defined by the certificate issued by the Labour Relations Board as “All employees” and any amendments thereto.
2. No employee shall be required or permitted to make any written or verbal agreement which may be in conflict with the terms of this Collective Agreement.
3. Except as otherwise specified elsewhere in this Collective Agreement, all correspondence between the parties arising out of this Collective Agreement or incidental thereto shall pass to and from the Executive Director or designate of the Employer and the Union with a copy to the Chair of the local unit.
4. An employee shall not engage in Union business during working hours without the prior permission of the Employer.
5. Any duly accredited Officer employed by the Union may be permitted on the Employer’s premises for the purpose of transacting Union business provided prior permission to do so has been granted by the Employer.
6. A representative of the Union shall have the right to make a presentation of up to thirty (30) minutes during the probationary period or at the orientation of new employees with respect to the structure of the Union, as well as the rights, responsibilities and benefits under the Collective Agreement, provided, however, that attendance at the presentation shall not be compulsory and, further, that a representative of the Employer may be present at such presentation. Where the representative of the Union is a Steward or Local Unit Representative, there shall be no loss of pay for time spent at the presentation.
7. The name of the Local Unit Representative shall be supplied in writing by the Union to the Employer before they are recognized as the Union Local Unit Representative.
8. Stewards
   1. An Employee authorized by the Union to act as a Steward shall provide a copy of such authorization to their manager upon such appointment. The Union shall provide a list of all Stewards inclusive of their level within the program, on an annual basis and at the request of the Employer.
   2. The Steward shall be allowed reasonable time while on duty without loss of regular earnings to perform their duties. Steward duties may include:
      1. Accompanying an Employee at a formal investigation or disciplinary meeting called by the Employer.
      2. Processing grievances including preparation and attendance at grievance hearings.
      3. Meeting with new Employees consistent with Article 4.06.
   3. It is the sole responsibility of the Union to arrange the attendance of a Steward for 4.08 (b)(i) and (ii) above.
   4. When it becomes necessary to leave work for these functions, a Steward shall obtain permission from their supervisor to leave work and agreement on the length of time of such leave. Such permission shall be requested with as much advance notice as possible and shall not be unreasonably denied.