News 12/10/08

1. The Collective Agreement
2. Ergonomics
3. Planning for Death
4. Season’s Greetings

The Collective Agreement: Theoretically, the new Collective Agreement should have been in your hands by now. Unfortunately, the editing of the English text has gone on a lot longer than originally expected. It was discovered, for example, that while the new assessment process asked Deans for their evaluations, there was no mention of such evaluations in the newly rewritten tenure section; it was also discovered when cross-checking dates, that FPC’s took office on September 30, even though they were elected on October 15, and, as the contract read before editing, the FPC in Management, consisting of five members, had to have five votes in favour of a tenure or promotion application, instead of four.

But more importantly, the contract which has been written, usually at the last minute, over nearly 30 years was an organizational mess. For example, the clauses on sessionals have been scattered throughout the document rather than consolidated in one spot. The editorial committee has determined that a complete reorganization and renumbering was called for with the overall goal not only of grouping like clauses together but of making access much clearer. Further to that, a new index will be created to improve access even more.

All this has taken time, but the good news is that the work has almost been completed and, on the translation side, work is well underway.

Ergonomics: At this point, the Association has accumulated upwards of $100,000 over the last few years to help make offices more ergonomic. While last year there were some calls for interest in ergonomic chairs, keypads and keyboard trays, the fact is that until recently, the specifications for proper ergonomic furniture, including desks, book cases and filing systems had yet to be determined by a committee of experts charged with this task.

That work has now been done. The next step will be to set up a complete ergonomic office in a room in the library (30-220). When everything is in place, members will be asked to book half hour appointments with Trevor Schell, an ergonomist, who will work with them to identify their specific needs. This process is being coordinated by Ashley Thomson working with Dr. Patrice Sawyer, Vice-President, Academic.

Planning for Death: And now on a more sombre note. According to the new Collective Agreement, “Every Member while employed by Laurentian University will be expected to complete by January 1,?2009 or within six (6) months of hire a statement to be retained in their Personnel File indicating who shall have access to the Member's computer files and office contents in the event of the Member's death or incapacitation. In the event of the death or incapacitation of the Member, the Employer shall review the Member's files and office contents to retrieve the documents and files belonging to the Employer. This review shall be consistent with Article 6.30 -Patents and Article 6.35 -Copyright. After this review, only the person or persons named shall have access to the Member's computer files and office contents. If there is no signed access statement, the right of access shall go to the executor in the event of death, and to the next of kin in the event of incapacitation. The executor or next of kin shall have access to the deceased member's files for a period of at least one (1) year. The ownership of the computer files and office contents belonging to the Member shall be transferred according to the Member's will.”

Season’s Greetings: The Executive, Board and staff of the Association wish all members the very best over the December break and trust you will return refreshed in the New Year.