Union Leave Leave of absence for Union business shall be given without pay up to a maximum of (as per the local provisions under L19) days per calendar year provided such leave does not interfere with the continuance of efficient operation of the Hospital. Such leave shall be subject to the following conditions:
(a) not more than (as per the local provisions under L19) employees of the Hospital are absent on any such leave at the same time, and not more than (as per the local provisions under L19) employee from a department;
(b) a request must be made in writing at least twenty-one days prior to the commencement of the function for which leave is requested, unless it is not reasonably possible to give such notice;
(c) such request shall state the general nature of the function to be attended;
(d) employees on a Union Leave which is approved by the Hospital in accordance with the above conditions shall be paid for such leave by the Hospital. The Hospital shall then forward a statement of such wages paid to the employee affected to the union for reimbursement of the amount stated;
(e) an employee who is elected or appointed to office with the CAW, shall upon application by the Union in writing, be granted a leave of absence without loss of seniority and benefits for up to three (3) years. An extension shall be granted upon written application by the employee to the administration of the Hospital. During such leaves of absence, salary and benefits shall be kept whole by the Hospital and the Union agrees to reimburse the Hospital for such salary and the Hospital's contribution to said benefits. The employee agrees to notify the Hospital of the employee's intention to return to work within two (2) weeks following the termination of office for which the leave was granted. The union agrees to notify the Hospital five (5) months in advance of the Local Union election. The union further agrees that the requirement to meet under Article 14 will be waived. At the end of such leave, any employee hired or placed as a substitute for the employee on such absence, may be terminated or laid off by the Hospital as required, or may be transferred to the employee's previous position if the substitution was a transfer. An employee on leave of absence under this provision shall continue to accumulate all rights and privileges under this Agreement. It is understood that the intent of this article is that it shall normally apply to only one employee at a time per circumstance as noted above, and that the Union shall provide adequate notice prior to an employee commencing Union Leave of Absence. Further applications may be granted consistent with the Hospital’s staffing requirements. In addition, it is understood that any employee so elected or appointed is required to maintain their competence in the event that they are to return to the workplace.
