COVID Vaccination Employment Issues
As you’ve read in many SAIT communications, January 1, 2022, was the deadline for the SAIT community to be fully vaccinated. SAFA is aware that some members have been impacted by this, through either cancelled contingent contracts or unpaid leave for permanent employees.
If you have received official notification of a change in employment due to COVID vaccination status (unpaid leave of absence, termination of employment, removal of classes, or denial of a human-rights based exemption request), contact SAFA immediately to make sure that a grievance can be filed in a timely manner.
The grievance process involves SAFA investigating the merits of a potential grievance (which may include obtaining a legal opinion), documenting possible issues within required timelines and, after considering the factors set out by the Supreme Court of Canada, making a reasoned decision as to whether to advance a grievance to an arbitral hearing. Employment issues related to COVID vaccination are continuously evolving and you must act in a timely manner to secure your rights.