Professional Development - Education Leave. The Employer and the Union recognize that continuing education is important for all employees and that the parties have shared interests and responsibilities in this area. The parties will endeavour to maximize internal opportunities for training and development which may include but are not limited to: guest lecturers, train the trainer's, tele/video conferences and access to in-house programs/seminars and library materials. Consideration for Leave of Absence for Professional Development shall be based on operational needs and scheduling requirements:
Professional Development - Education Leave. Nurses shall have the opportunity for professional growth through training opportunities designed to assist the individual to function more effectively in their current position. These shall include:
Professional Development - Education Leave. Continuous professional development is an important part of ongoing quality improvement at the Ottawa Fertility Centre. The parties agree that professional development includes a diverse range of activities, including but not limited to formal academic programs, short-term continuing education activities, in-house education and training, certification programs, and attendance or participation in relevant conferences. The parties recognize their joint responsibility in and commitment to active participation in the area of professional development. The Employer agrees to continue the practice of investing in education, training and attendance at conferences at their discretion. Where employees are required by the Employer to take courses to upgrade or acquire new employment qualifications, the Employer shall pay the full costs associated with the courses including wages and benefits. Subject to operational requirements, the Employer will make every reasonable effort to grant requests for necessary changes to an employee's schedule to enable attendance at a recognized up-grading course or seminar related to employment with the Employer. Upon three (3) months' written notice the Employer agrees to grant leaves of absence without pay to employees for a one (1) year period of sabbatical leave provided that a employee has four (4) years of continuous service to the Employer. During such leaves, seniority will not accrue, but the employee will retain service and seniority for all purposes upon her return. Such leave will be granted at the discretion of the Employer provided operationally feasible. Such leave shall not be unreasonably denied.
Professional Development - Education Leave. Subject to operational requirements, the Employer agrees to allocate educational leave on an equitable basis among readily available qualified employees.
