Travel Directive – Overtime – Commuting Pattern

Background

While discussing article 3.1.11 Transportation while in a Collective Bargaining session, it was brought to light that neither local management nor the Bargaining Agent component were aware of the entitlement to be reimbursed the additional transportation costs incurred between the residence and the workplace when authorized travel or overtime causes a disruption in the employee's regular commuting pattern.  It was also discovered that employees had not been paid this entitlement since 1996.  As soon as management became aware of this, they agreed to change their practice immediately and send out a memorandum clarifying the application of the Travel Directive.  At the first level hearing, Bargaining Agent representatives informed management that members had requested this entitlement in 2008, yet management at the time confirmed that mileage was not payable.  The Department sent information packages to all employees, and those entitled were compensated retroactively, up to 25 days prior to the filing of the grievance.

Executive Committee Decision

The Executive Committee considered the circumstances in this case and agreed that the issue related to the intent of the Travel Directive had been rectified by the Employer.  It was agreed that the matter was of a continuing nature since the grievors did not pursue the issue by way of informal discussions or grievances when first raised in 2008.  As such, the Committee agreed that the corrective action should be limited to 25 days prior to the grievance presentations.