A collective agreement is a written contract between an employer and a union representing a particular group of employees. The provisions of the collective agreement set out the terms and conditions of employment and cover such things as wages, hours of work, leaves of absence and employee benefits. Collective agreements also often outline procedures for dealing with disputes between the employer and employees (often called grievance procedures).

Collective Agreements (or contracts) come about through the collective bargaining process. The Union’s negotiating team consists of a lead negotiator, the business manager and a committee appointed by the business manager (insert appropriate bylaw). This team meets with the union members and develops a set of goals for the next collective agreement.

At the end of the collective agreement (or before if mutually agreed upon), the union’s negotiating team meets with the employer's negotiating team and exchanges positions. At this point, each item is evaluated, and the union and employer decide what items they are willing to accept or compromise on and which are non-negotiable.

If the two parties agree, the union will present the tentative agreement to the union members and hold a ratification vote. If over 50% of voting members accept the tentative agreement, it will become the new collective agreement.

If greater than 50% vote to reject the tentative agreement, the union and employer may return to the bargaining table. If no further progress can be made, a conciliator will be appointed by the Department of Labour. A conciliator is a neutral third party knowledgeable in effective negotiation procedures. This person helps employers and trade unions reach a Collective Agreement but has no authority to make decisions. No decisions are binding; if significant progress has been achieved, another ratification vote may be held. A strike vote may be called if parties are still too far apart or ratification fails.

Members that are logged into the website can find a copy of their collective agreement here.
You can also contact your supervisor and request one, it may also be on the EMC employee/website.

Schedule A of the Collective Agreement.

Bereavement leave is outlined in Article 29.14

If the death of an immediate family (mother, father, guardian, siblings, child, mother-in-law, father-in-law, stepchild, ward, grandparent, grandchild, or a relative residing in the same household) occurs when an employee is at work, the employee shall be granted leave with pay for the remained of the shift. In addition, the employee shall be granted seven calendar days of leave with pay commencing the day following the death.

If death occurs, a son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law shall be granted one day to attend the funeral and up to 2 days for travel. These days are paid, if not on regular days off.

The death of an aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or your spouse's grandparents, you shall be granted one unpaid day off to attend the funeral.