SAIT as employer has a legal duty to take reasonable steps (“duty to accommodate”) an employee’s individual needs, as they relate to work, with respect to all grounds of discrimination covered under the Alberta Human Rights Act (race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status or sexual orientation).
The Faculty Association will provide representation, at a member’s request, when that member is seeking accommodation. The Association’s goal is to ensure that members are supported throughout the process, that the process is consistent from one member to another, that members are treated fairly, and that members’ rights are respected under the Collective Agreement to the extent possible (collective agreements cannot prohibit an accommodation that is otherwise considered reasonable).
Most accommodation processes relate to disability (e.g. illness, injury or other disability, whether temporary or permanent and whether mental or physical). Accommodation may also be required for other reasons, for example timetabling exceptions due to childcare obligations (family status). If you are undertaking the accommodation process or are considering the accommodation process, please contact SAFA’s Labour Relations Officer for more information. The Faculty Association can provide confidential consultation, information, support, and representation to members.