Human Resources Competence, Awareness and ... - Bison Transport

Military Leave
Revision Resp.: HR/People Development Application: All Bison Transport Employees
Control ID: 2261 Effective: 03/15/07 Revision: 12/15/09
Prepared By: HR/People Development Issued By: HR/People
Development
Approved By: HR/People Development
Distribution: Document Control, Employee Manual
1. SCOPE
To define Bison’s policy regarding leave of absence for employees who are members of Canada’s
Reserve Force.
2. RESPONSIBILITY
HR/People Development
3. MILITARY LEAVE BENEFITS
Policy
Bison Transport supports Canada’s Reserve Force and any employee who is a member of the Reserve
Force. To that end, Bison Transport intends to release from work, subject to operational requirements,
its employees who are members of the Reserve Force, to allow them to participate in military training,
courses and operations. Such time off will be deemed to be an unpaid leave of absence. Military leave
will be available to all full-time employees with at least 12 months’ service.
Definitions
Exercise
A period of time (usually two weeks) that is scheduled annually by the employee’s Reserve Force
element (Naval, Army, Communication or Air).
Trade or Occupational Training
A period of two (2) weeks or more which is required for the employee to progress in his/her chosen
military trade or occupation. This includes courses that are not trade-specific but may be required for
progression in the reserve organization, including courses required for promotion to their next rank or
courses or assignments that are required prior to assuming greater responsibility within their Reserve
Force element.
Domestic Operation
These types of operations can be classified as:
Emergency – An event within Canada that has resulted in the Armed Forces (including the Reserve)
being called in to assist civilian authorities (e.g. floods, severe weather disruptions, forest fires, search
and rescue, civil disruptions, etc.).
Non-emergency – A specific operational training within Canada that the Reserve employee requests as
part of their overall acquisition of military skill within their element (e.g. domestic sea operations
involving Canada’s Naval Reserve).
For purposes of this policy, activities such as parades or other special events will be considered under
“Domestic Operations”, even though they may not all take place in Canada.
International Operation
An event occurring outside of Canada that involves the Canadian Forces (including the Reserve
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Date: 6/23/10

Force), most notably peacekeeping and other humanitarian operations.
Pay and Benefits
Military Leave
Exercises, Trade/Occupational Training, Domestic Operations, International Operations
Bison Transport will protect the job of the employee while they are serving as part of an exercise,
trade/occupational training, domestic operation, or international operation; however, this leave will be
considered a “leave of absence without pay”. Under normal circumstances and where applicable,
employee benefits coverage will not be maintained unless arrangements are made in advance by the
employee to cover their costs. This can be done through a series of post-dated cheques or lump sum
payment two (2) weeks prior to departure.
Miscellaneous
Job Postings
Employees on military leave for exercises, trade/occupational training or domestic operations are
eligible for job postings, provided the military leave does not exceed a period of two (2) weeks.
Employees on military leave for international operations may not be eligible for consideration under
the job posting program until they have returned to work on a full-time basis unless special
arrangements are made prior to the employee’s departure.
Bonuses and Other Financial Incentive Programs
Bonuses or other financial incentive programs that are based on length of service are not affected by
military leave for exercises, trade/occupational training or domestic operations of two (2) weeks or less
duration.
Employees on military leave longer than two (2) weeks may not be eligible for the bonus or other
financial incentive programs. Each case will be assessed and determined prior to the employee’s
departure.
Seniority
Seniority is not affected by military leave periods for exercises, trade/occupational training, domestic
or international operations. For seniority purposes, the employee will be considered to have been
employed throughout their leave period.
Vacation Entitlement
Vacation entitlement does not accrue during an unpaid leave of absence.
Procedure
Notification
All requests for military leave must be made in writing as per the provisions outlined below.
Accordingly, Bison Transport will respond in writing within two (2) weeks of receipt. In cases where
circumstances do not allow for the required notice period, the employee is responsible for notification
in accordance with procedures for reporting unexpected absences using the most expedient method
available. Voice-mail messages will not be considered.
Exercises & Trade/Occupational Training
Employees requesting this category of leave must notify their supervisor in writing at least one (1)
month prior to the commencement of the exercise or training period. Bison Transport may also request
a letter or confirmation document from the employee’s unit Commanding Officer.
Domestic Operation
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Military Leave
Bison Transport recognizes that requirements for personnel in this category of military leave may
sometimes occur on short notice and written requests may not, in an emergency situation, be possible.
In the case of emergency operations, employees must notify their supervisor as soon as possible after
being called upon by the military to participate in the operation, using procedures for reporting
unexpected absences from work. Bison Transport may also request a letter from the employee’s unit
Commanding Officer outlining the circumstances of the operation and the anticipated length of time
that the employee will be engaged.
For non-emergency domestic operations, written notification must be submitted in the same manner as
exercises or trade/occupational training requests.
International Operations
Employees considering applying for an international operation are advised to discuss their intentions
with their supervisor prior to application. In case where short notice is given by the military, written
notice must be provided as soon as feasible. Bison Transport may require additional information from
the employee’s Commanding Officer outlining the nature of the operation and the anticipated period of
time required.
References:
All associated policy, procedure and system documentation.
4. REVIEW
Review Number Reviewed By Date of Review
1 HR/People Development 03/15/07
5. REVISION
Revision Number Revisions Date of Revision
0 Effective Date 03/15/07
1 Erin Sawatsky – revised and updated to reflect current
changes
12/15/09
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Date: 6/23/10