|
 |
News
Contract Interpretation Dispute
Local 4502 and representatives from Labor Relations met on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 to discuss resolution to a contract interpretation dispute regarding Article 15.6 – “Call Back”. The focus of the dispute involves how call back is defined. The Union maintains what was negotiated at the table involved additions to the collective bargaining agreement in regards to (only) those call back hours worked actually being applied to overall premium pay status in that pay period - and that the City could “instruct” an employee to report to work when an urgent and immediate need presented itself, except for good cause. There was also an agreement achieved on behalf of the membership to cap double time pay in order to get the vacation and compensatory time canceller removed from the contract. Local 4502 also insisted that call back be distributed fairly among those who qualified by using the principles of overtime distribution as found in section 15.4(D).
The City position states that what was agreed to during negotiations changes the definition of “Call Back” and that only in those cases of urgent and immediate need as defined by the Appointing Authority or Designee and an employee being “instructed” to return to work; would it be considered call back. In all fairness to both sides, each party in this dispute has an understanding which is completely different and will need to be resolved as quickly as possible. Local 4502 leadership have begun this process by filing a second step grievance but hope to resolve our dispute outside of that process. The June 1st meeting with Labor Relations was the first step to a joint Labor/Management resolution to this important issue.
The City and CWA Local 4502, with the assistance of District 4 representative Bill Bain - will meet again the week of June 7-11 to attempt a resolution to our dispute. A date for possible mediation is already set for later this month and if the parties are unable to agree to a resolution, the Union will forward this issue to arbitration.
Your elected leadership understands the impact of this interpretation on those who are able to get “call back” pay. We are taking this very seriously and have placed much resource in to creating a solution to the contract dispute. As we gain more information, we will be sharing it with you via this site and in electronic email distribution. If you don’t have your personal email address on file with the Union for these electronic updates, now is the time to do it! It is the best way to keep abreast of important Union activity. You can email us at: CWA Local 4502 to enter your personal email on our list.
It is more important than ever for the bargaining unit to show solidarity and strength! The Union will use every resource available to remedy this situation. The City is paying attention to how our membership will react this issue and it is critical we show the strength of our resolve by mobilizing and speaking as one….not allowing divisiveness within our ranks to weaken our cause.
Share this information with as many as possible. Thank you for your support, patience and resolve as we work this out together…..as healthy Unions do!
In Solidarity,
Brien Bellous, President
CWA Local 4502
|
