The Right to AMAPCEO Representation

AMAPCEO Workplace Representatives are trained union members who have volunteered to confidentially assist members like you in the workplace. They should be your first point of contact in seeking information and representation with an issue at work.

Under Article 21 of your Collective Agreement, you have the right to have a Workplace Representative join you and represent you in meetings with your supervisor or an Employer representative regarding workplace issues identified below.

If your supervisor or another Employer representative requests a meeting

You can ask a Workplace Representative to accompany you at a meeting with your supervisor or an Employer representative if the meeting is for any of the following reasons:

• for disciplinary purposes;
• to investigate matters which may result in disciplinary action;
• for a formal counselling session regarding unsatisfactory performance or behaviour (following the implementation of a development or performance management plan);
• for termination of employment; or
• for matters related to an accommodation or return to work plan.

If the Employer requests a meeting about an issue that is not related to any of the reasons above, but you think it would be beneficial to have AMAPCEO representation with you, you can request that a Workplace Representative accompany you. While this is not an entitlement under your Collective Agreement, the Employer may agree to your request. If they do not agree, you may still speak with a Workplace Representative ahead of your meeting for their advice.

See below on how to ask for help from a Workplace Representative.

When your supervisor or another Employer representative notifies you of the need for a meeting, they must:

• set a time and a place for the meeting; and
• remind you of your right to have a Workplace Representative accompany you—the decision on whether to do this is yours to make.

You may have to contact several Workplace Representatives to find one available to accompany you to the meeting.

If you are unable to find a Workplace Representative available to accompany you to the meeting, you should also address this with your supervisor or the Employer representative to try to work out a later time when you will have union representation. If your supervisor of the Employer representative insists on proceeding with the original time, and you still cannot connect with a Workplace Representative, please contact the AMAPCEO office.

If you attend a meeting without a Workplace Representative, and the Employer asks you to sign a waiver of your right to representation, only sign it if you voluntarily attended without a Workplace Representative.

If you request a meeting with your supervisor or another Employer representative

The dispute resolution process is an integral part of your Collective Agreement (Article 22) and an important advantage of being a unionized professional. This is the means through which you can get help addressing workplace issues or alleged breaches of your collective agreement rights or other terms and conditions of your employment.

If you experience an issue in the workplace, and arrange an informal meeting with your supervisor or an Employer representative about it, you should request to have a Workplace Representative to join you and represent you. While this is not an entitlement under the Collective Agreement, the Employer may agree to your request.

If your issue is not resolved at this informal stage, or if you wish to bypass it, you can file a Stage One dispute, at which point you will have the right to have a Workplace Representative join you and represent you. This must be done within 15 working days of you becoming aware of the issue. You will have AMAPCEO representation throughout the formal stages of the process.

If you have questions or need assistance

Please contact an AMAPCEO Workplace Representative at Ontario Arts Council, and get in touch by email.

Workplace Representatives are trained union members who have volunteered to confidentially assist members like you in the workplace. They should be your first point of contact in seeking information and representation with an issue at work.