Our union recently won a grievance reinstating education days for social workers when the employees were informed that effective Oct 1, 2009, they would no longer receive education days. Management said that since education days were not written in the contract, they could be discontinued. The union filed a grievance based on Article 5 “Prevailing Benefits,”stating that past practice has been that social workers have always received annual education days and should continue to do so.

 

A grievance hearing was held on Oct. 20 where the union presented proof of past practice regarding education days. Labor Relations ruled in SEIU 1991’s favor and social workers will be granted their education days when approved by their supervisor.

 

If any social workers have used PL time since Oct. 1 for training or seminars, they will be reimbursed.

 

Many thanks to Charles Jackson, BSW, who helped coordinate the gathering of documentation, as well as all of the social workers who participated in the step-three hearing.

 

Together we are strong!