Here are some common questions about layoffs and recall. Please do talk
to your steward about your specific situation.
1. Can members receive a layoff notice while on leave? Sick leave?
Maternity leave? They can receive an advanced notice. It is the union's position that
they cannot receive the actual notice while on leave. This would contravene
our Collective Agreement rights and Employment Standards. The person would
receive their notice when they return to work from leave.
2. When does a person on layoff notice take their holidays? Holidays are paid out at the time the person is laid off. Holidays
are not part of the notice period. However, if the member requests to
take holidays during the notice period, they may do so. It would be
best if the request were in writing and copied to the VCCFA..
3. Can a member on layoff notice get professional development time? An instructor must work at least 7 months at 50% in the fiscal year
to be entitled to PD. So, yes a member on notice may be eligible for
PD. If entitled to PD time, then also entitled to PD funds.
4. How does a member get on a recall list? Members are automatically on recall for their own area unless they
take severance. If instructors apply to transfer to an area where they
meet the hiring criteria, but do not have the necessary seniority to transfer,
they can go on the recall list for that area. Members could be on the
recall list for as many areas as they are qualified for.
5. Where are the Hiring Criteria? There are Hiring Criteria for each area in the College (see the list
of areas in Appendix II, Pages 88-91 of your Collective
Agreement). Binders with the Hiring Criteria are in the Broadway and
downtown union offices, in Human Resources and online.
6. Can a member apply to transfer or go on the recall list for an
area later on? No, the time to apply for transfer and/or recall is within one month
after the actual notice is issued. The College will let those on the recall
list know when there are new postings.
7. Once a member has transferred, can they go ' back home'? No, the area to which the member transfers becomes the new home area.
One can only go back home if there is another layoff in the future from
the new home area and one applies for transfer back, etc.
8. What is temporary recall? It is recall for less than 4 months or less than the time status one
had before layoff. A member can say no to temporary recall without losing
recall rights.
9. Can a member on recall work as a sub? Does it count as recall work? All members on recall should let the College know if they wish to be
considered for sub work. Deans will encourage departments to call those
on the recall list first. Any work done while on recall is recall work
and treated as such. This means it is paid at the appropriate step placement
and extends the recall date.
10. What happens when a person is recalled and they're not able to
take the work? They can say no if it is temporary recall. If it is full recall, they
will receive a letter and have 15 days to reply. If they do not accept
full recall, they will lose their recall rights. Before this happens,
they will want to claim their severance if applicable. Anyone in this
situation should contact the union.
11. When can a person take their severance? Any time within the 24-month recall period. Once the severance is taken,
the employment relation is broken and there is no right to recall.
12. Can instructors on recall take courses sponsored by Human Resources? Yes. It is on a first come, first serve basis. The information will
be available on the VCC website.
13. Can instructors on recall keep access to their College e-mail?
library card? Yes, they need to let the College and Library know before they leave.
14. Can instructors on recall attend Union meetings? Yes, they remain union members for their recall period. Anyone on recall
can attend meetings, vote, and work on committees, or be elected to a
union position.
16. Can a person on recall be covered by medical/dental benefits? Yes they can purchase them. The cost is attached. If working 50% on
recall, for 30 days or more, benefits will be covered. You do not have
to purchase all the coverage. The cost below is effective January 1, 2010.
Benefits need to be paid quarterly. There is no option in and out.
