1 general conditions of employment - Department of Education and ...

4 LEAVE4.15 TRADE UNION AND EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATIVE ACTIVITIES4.15.1 GENERALExcept where otherwise specified in this Section, staff members who undertake trade unionbusiness or act as a staff member representative, are to do so in their own time outside theirnormal working hours and at their own expense.4.15.2 TRADE UNION ACTIVITIES4.15.2.1 On Duty ActivitiesA trade union delegate is to be released from normal Departmental duties for theactivities specified below without being required to apply for leave.a) Attendance at meetings of the workplace Occupational Health and SafetyCommittee and participation in all official activities relating to the functions andresponsibilities of elected Occupational Health and Safety Committee membersat a place of work as provided for in the Occupational Health and Safety Act2000 and the Regulations.b) Attendance at meetings with workplace management or workplace managementrepresentatives.c) A reasonable period of preparation time (by agreement with management andwhen operational requirements allow the taking of such time) before:meetings with management; anddisciplinary or grievance meetings when a trade union member requires thepresence of a trade union delegate.d) Giving evidence in court on behalf of the Department.e) Appearing as a witness before the Government and Related Employees AppealTribunal.f) Representing their trade union at the Government and Related EmployeesAppeal Tribunal as an advocate or as a Tribunal Member.g) Presenting information on the trade union and trade union activities at inductionsessions for new staff members of the Department.h) Distributing official trade union publications or other authorised material at theworkplace, provided that a minimum of 24 hours notice is given to workplacemanagement, unless otherwise agreed between the parties. Distribution time isto be kept to a minimum and is to be undertaken at a time convenient to theworkplace.4.15.2.2 Special Leave ActivitiesThe granting of special leave with pay applies to the following activities undertakenby a trade union delegate, as specified below.a) Annual or biennial conferences of the delegate’s union.Handbook for non teaching staff in schools 2007 Page 4 - 79