Flexible work practices will be implemented consistent with the following Letter of Understanding.
Letter of Understanding – Flexible Work Practices
(a) The introduction of flexible work practices is designed to improve productivity, improve product quality, reduce down time and lower costs while ensuring that the work is completed in a safe manner. The efficiencies that result from flexible work practices are also intended to assist in fulfilling the intention of Article 23 of the Collective Agreement.
(b) The parties agree that this letter on flexible work practices recognizes that the primary responsibility for the operation of the mill will remain with operators and the primary responsibility for maintaining the mill will remain with trades persons and steam plant maintenance employees.
(c) It is understood that the intent of this letter will supersede local practices, and verbal and written agreements which would impair the implementation of flexible work practices.
(d) All work will be performed in a manner consistent with safety articles of the Collective Agreement as well as the company’s safety rules and the regulations issued by WorkSafeBC. It is recognized that some tasks can only be performed by employees who possess certain government certifications and in that instance, the work will only be performed by employees who possess the required government certificate.
(e) The intent of this Agreement is to provide that all employees will safely utilize all of their existing skills and maximize their productivity and learn and use new skills to enhance their effectiveness.
(f) The Company and the unions will meet to discuss a module based training program that will enhance the existing skills of employees. They will also discuss the option of using trainers from the bargaining unit to assist in the design and delivery of the training modules. The Company will design and introduce new training programs to facilitate the implementation of and evolution of flexible work practices.
(g) All employees will be required to complete training programs as prescribed by the Company and utilize new skills acquired as a result of training. Training will be consistent for all employees in each job classification.
(h) The parties recognize that the acquisition of new skills that facilitate the implementation of flexible work practices is an ongoing process and will continue over time to support the changing needs of the business.
(i) Flexible work practice payments are rolled into wage rates. The parties agree that there will be no pyramiding of credits under the job evaluation plan for duties that are being compensated for under the Flexible Work Practices Agreement, unless the changes constitute new regular job duties added to their classification as defined by the job evaluation plan. These new regular job duties must result from either new or changed procedures / equipment or from the permanent reassignment of duties from another job classification.
(j) Training programs implemented under item (f) are not intended to force qualification in another trade.
(k) The Company agrees that no employee will lose their employment with the Company as a direct result of the implementation of flexibility initiatives under this letter. This provision applies to only those employees employed at the date of ratification of this Agreement.
(l) No trades person or apprentice will be involuntarily displaced from their respective trade on a permanent basis as a result of the implementation of flexible work practices.
(m) It is not intended that flexible work practices shall result in a trades person being assigned to a non trades classification when someone outside of their trade is performing their trade core duties.
(n) The Company agrees that no employee’s regular job rate will be reduced when they are assigned to perform work under this work place flexibility agreement. This does not apply to an employee who is laid off or whose job is temporarily curtailed and is recalled or works in a different job category on the basis of mill seniority.
(o) The Company commits to maintain Apprenticeship Agreements.
(p) For the term of the renewed Collective Agreement, the Company and Union Standing Committees will meet quarterly to discuss issues related to productivity, morale, profitability, work opportunities, market conditions, any alleged discrimination, the ongoing effectiveness of flexible work practices and any other problems related to flexible work practices.
(q) The parties agree that disputes relating to the implementation of this letter shall be reviewed by the Joint Committee, which will make every effort to resolve these disputes in accordance with the spirit and terms of this letter.