CEWA has filed a policy grievance in response to the employer’s recent interpretation of Article 17.03 regarding the use of banked time.
The employer has advised that employees must fully book all of their vacation time before they are permitted to utilize banked time off. CEWA disagrees with this interpretation, asserting that there is no such requirement in the collective agreement.
The relevant language in Article 17.03 states:
“Approval to take time under this Article will not be unreasonably withheld. Approval is at the discretion of the supervisor based on the status of the employee’s vacation balances, vacation plans, workforce availability and work activity requirements for the remainder of the year.”
CEWA maintains that the article allows for supervisor discretion in approving banked time, taking into account operational considerations and vacation planning, but does not support a blanket restriction requiring vacation to be scheduled in advance of using banked time.
The policy grievance is intended to resolve this difference in interpretation and ensure consistent application of the collective agreement.
Further updates will be shared as the grievance process progresses. Members with questions or concerns, or who are denied use of banked time, are encouraged to contact their CEWA representative for support.
