Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Effective April 1, 2015, the OPS Employer will replace the existing Attendance Management Policy (AMP) with a new Attendance Support Management Program (ASMP). Notably, the ASMP had previously only been applicable to OPSEU staff, in select ministries, since 2008.
The ASMP will now apply to all bargaining units – AMAPCEO included.
AMAPCEO is extremely disappointed that bargaining agents were only afforded the opportunity to provide feedback on the ASMP one month prior to its imposition; we did however strongly voice our concerns to the Employer – both verbally at ACERC, and by way of a detailed written submission.
Our biggest concern is that the Employer has yet to produce substantive evidence that there is an innocent absenteeism problem with AMAPCEO-represented employees.
We are also concerned that the thresholds for inclusion and progression through the program are extremely low; those who are ill may now feel compelled to attend work to avoid being placed into the program; and managerial discretion has all but been eliminated.
We intend to continue to raise our concerns and objections with what we believe to be the unnecessary application of this Program.
AMAPCEO will also be working diligently to provide Workplace Representatives with more information and training as soon as possible. In the meantime should members or representatives require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Workplace Advisor for your Ministry.