Return to Work (a) The parties recognize the duty of reasonable accommodation for individuals under the Human Rights Code of Ontario and agree that this Collective Agreement will be interpreted in such a way as to permit the Employer and the Union to discharge that duty. To that end, the Home and the Union agree to cooperate in complying with the Ontario Human Rights Code. (b) The Home and the Union agree to ongoing and timely communication by all participants. For the purposes of expediting communication the Home and the Union agree that participants will use electronic communication where available. (c) If an employee becomes disabled, including WSIB, with the result that she is unable to perform the regular functions of her position, the Employer may determine a special classification and salary, with the hope of providing an opportunity for continued employment. Positions established under this article will not constitute new classifications and shall lapse upon the termination, resignation, or retirement of the employee in question. (d) Prior to any disabled employee returning to work from a disability including WSIB to a modified/light/alternate work program, the Employer will notify and meet with members of the bargaining unit executive to consult on a back to work program for the worker. Any agreement resulting from these discussions which conflicts with the collective agreement shall, subject to agreement by the Union, prevail over any provision of this agreement in the event of a conflict. Nothing in this language obligates the Employer to establish a modified/ light/alternative work program, except as required by law.
Return to Duty The SAPC will meet with a Covered Employee who has tested positive for alcohol and/or drugs. The SAPC will discuss what course of action may be appropriate, if any, and assistance from which the employee may benefit, if any, and will communicate a proposed return-to-work plan, if necessary, to the employee and department. The SAPC may recommend that the Covered Employee voluntarily enter into an appropriate rehabilitation program administered by the Covered Employee’s health insurance carrier prior to returning to work. The Covered Employee may not return to work until the SAPC certifies that the employee has a negative test prior to returning to work. In the event that the SAPC does not schedule a return-to-work test before the Covered Employee’s return-to-work date, the SAPC shall arrange for the Covered Employee to take a return-to-work test within three (3) working days of the Covered Employee notifying the SAPC in writing of a request to take a return-to-work test. If a Covered Employee fails a return-to-work test, the employee shall be placed on unpaid leave until testing negative but shall not be subject to any additional discipline due to a non-negative return-to- work test. The SAPC will provide a written release to the appropriate department or division certifying the employee’s right to return to work.