National agreement reached with IRB on leave for union officers

CEIU’s elected officers working at the Immigration and Refugee Board will now receive leave with pay to carry out a portion of their union duties. The leave agreement, reached between the employer and the union’s national office, is particularly valuable for local officers who often carry out union duties on their own time.

“Our local leadership is critical for the success of our union” said National President Jeannette Meunier-McKay, “and this agreement will reduce the strain on their personal lives caused by union work.”

The leave will allow union officers to engage in activities that include presenting information and learning sessions to members, preparing for formal meetings with management and participating in joint initiatives with management. A bank of 1956 hours per year of paid leave will be distributed by the CEIU national office among leaders at national, regional and local levels. The union’s national president and senior management will share the overall administrative responsibility for the leave program.

“We appreciate the work of our elected officers” said Meunier-McKay,  “and we expect this agreement will provide important support for their work on behalf of the members.”