Covenant Health Collective Agreement 2020-2024

LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING #21

BETWEEN

COVENANT HEALTH
(hereinafter referred to as the Employer)

- and -

HEALTH SCIENCES ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
(hereinafter referred to as the Union)

RE:  DUTY TO ACCOMMODATE

WHEREAS the Parties agree that the duty to accommodate is a joint responsibility between the Employer, the Union and the Employee;

THEREFORE the Parties agree to the following:

1. The Employer will notify the Union of a Return to Work or a Duty to Accommodate meeting when one or more of the following conditions exist:
   1. The Employee request Union representation;
   2. Human Resources is present;
   3. The Rehabilitation portion of the Return to Work exceeds fourteen (14) calendar days;
   4. The Employee has permanent limitations or restrictions which are not readily accommodated; or
   5. The Employee requires a non-compliant rotation for greater than four weeks.
2. All Parties will confirm their attendance.
3. The Parties acknowledge they share the responsibility for the duty to accommodate Employees up to the point of undue hardship. The Parties recognize the importance of a collaborative approach and the value of a supportive return-to-work environment.  This responsibility is shared between the Employer, the Union and the Employee.
4. The Employer will undertake a review and redesign of its Disability Management Program and Duty to Accommodate process, and will seek input from the Union to discuss what is important.
5. Within sixty (60) days following the implementation of the Duty to Accommodate process, the Parties will meet to discuss any issues around the new processes and the implementation thereof.
6. Within twelve (12) months of the implementation of Duty to Accommodate process, the Parties will meet to evaluate the effectiveness of the new process.

This Letter of Understanding will expire March 31, 2024 or upon the date of ratification of the next Collective Agreement, whichever is later.