Alberta Precision Laboratories

LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING #12

BETWEEN

ALBERTA PRECISION LABORATORIES

(hereinafter referred to as the Employer)

- and -

HEALTH SCIENCES ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA

(hereinafter referred to as the Union)

RE: OPTIONAL CONSEQUENTIAL VACANCY PROCESS

A consequential vacancy process may help to manage internal transfers within a functional work area.  It is most appropriately used when there are a large number of positions in the same classification performing the same job duties. In circumstances where the Employer initiates a consequential vacancy process, one of the following processes will apply:

1.  

   1. Process A
      1. A primary vacancy is posted.
      2. Candidates apply for the primary vacancy and the successful incumbent is chosen according to the process in Article 29.05.
      3. If the successful candidate is an existing Employee in the functional work area, a consequential vacancy arises when this Employee accepts the primary vacancy.
      4. The manager determines which of the other candidates in the functional work area who applied for the primary vacancy are pre-qualified in accordance with Article 29.05 to move into consequential vacancies.
      5. In descending order of seniority, candidates to the primary vacancy are offered consequential vacancies.
   2. Process B
      1. A primary vacancy is posted.
      2. All candidates assessed and ranked according to their skills and ability, and where skills and abilities are relatively equal, ranked according to seniority.
      3. The highest ranked candidate, based on the assessment of skills and abilities, is offered the primary vacancy.
      4. In descending order of rank, candidates deemed to be qualified for the primary vacancy are offered consequential vacancies.
   3. Process C
      1. The Employer will designate all Regular Employees who hold the same classification, perform the same job duties, work in the same functional work area as “pre-qualified”.
      2. Where a line in a functional work area becomes vacant (the “original vacancy”), the original vacancy will be made available in descending order of seniority to all Regular Employees in that functional work area who have expressed interest, without a requirement to conduct an interview.
      3. This process above will be repeated for all consequential vacancies in the functional work area until a vacant line remains.
2. The Employer maintains the right as per Article 3 – Management Rights, to determine when vacant positions/lines must be filled.
3. Subject to point 2, any remaining vacancy will be posted in accordance with Article 29.
4. The Union shall be advised of the Employee transfer(s) within a unit or program.
5. Article 29.07 – Trial Period shall not apply to transfers within the functional work area that occur as a result of the Optional Consequential Vacancy Process. 

This Letter of Understanding will expire September 30, 2024, or upon the date of ratification of the next Collective Agreement, whichever is later.