PEA-UVic Win: Protecting Flexible Scheduling Rights

Dear PEA members,

We are very pleased to share the news of an important arbitration victory for PEA members at UVic in regard to flexible scheduling. This is an important win for all PEA members. Flexibility and professional independence are not simply workplace practices at UVic. They are rights we have negotiated into the collective agreement.

The Union successfully challenged an attempt to unilaterally change a member’s established work schedule. The arbitrator upheld the grievance and confirmed that Article 10 of the collective agreement protects the independent nature of professional work and members’ right to a reasonable and flexible work schedule. Critically, the decision confirms that changes to an established schedule shall be made by mutual consent. The supervisor may implement a reasonable schedule, without mutual consent, only in rare circumstances where mutual agreement cannot be made and subject to the grievance procedure.

This decision shows the value of our Union standing behind members when those rights are challenged. The PEA will continue to vigorously defend the principle that flexible scheduling under Article 10 is built on mutual agreement, not unilateral direction.

If you have concerns about your own schedule, please contact the PEA. Having the support of the union and a clear understanding of your collective agreement rights can make a real difference.

Thank you to everyone who helped bring this matter forward.

Idil Farah and Stephen Portman
Labour Relations Representatives