Field Trips

The grievor sought reimbursement for the costs of a school trip taken by a dependant.
At issue was whether the trip taken was compulsory and therefore reimbursable or elective.

The Administrative Committee noted that the Foreign Service Directives Committee had determined the school in question had changed the policy in regard to the trip following the enrolment of the student and the request for reimbursement. It was still expected that students participate, but only since this grievance has it become clear that the students could be graded adequately from other performances. It was further noted that the intent of the Directives was now clear, however, there was evidence that the communication from the school and from the post to Ottawa had been less than clear and there had been approval of similar trips previously.

The Administrative Committee considered and agreed with the report of the Foreign Service Directives Committee in that it was not clear that the grievor had been treated within the intent of the Directives and that the grievor should therefore be reimbursed on a once-only basis.

To the extent that the above meets the corrective action sought the grievance was upheld.

The Administrative Committee further agreed with the report of the Foreign Service Directives Committee in that a circular be sent out to all posts to clarify the issue.