Disability rights in the workplace - Canadian Union of Public ...

The procedure should be incorporated into the
collective agreement so that the employer's
obligation to modify the workplace, adapt
equipment, obtain equipment, and restructure jobs is
established clearly. The obligation to consult with
and work with the union must also be established in
the collective agreement.
There should be a dispute resolution mechanism in
the collective agreement that is tailored to
accommodation for members with a disability. An
expedited arbitration or decision-making process
with someone who is knowledgeable in the area of
accommodation can help pave a smooth path for a
member seeking accommodation.
A joint process to accommodate members with
disabilities is important because the union also has
responsibilities for the accommodation. The union is
best placed to advocate for the member if it is
engaged from the beginning in a joint process with
the employer. It is more difficult to advocate when
the union is trying to correct or amend an inadequate
plan to accommodate a member. If the local has the
resources, a joint committee can be helpful as this
helps build expertise inside the local. If a formal
23