Vacation Usage
Dear Faculty Colleagues:
Over the past month I’ve received several e-mails from faculty expressing concern that their AC or Manager informed them they must use all vacation by March 31, 2021 – even if it means using vacation in half day increments due to their teaching load. I certainly understand and share your frustration!
This is not supported by SAFA for the very reason that faculty will simply continue to work on these “vacation” days rendering them useless. The Letter of Understanding (LoU) regarding vacation usage and a May 2020 e-mail to faculty that contained some FAQ’s about the LoU. The Letter of Understanding is clear that “If a balance remains after August 15, 2020, it shall be taken in accordance to an agreed upon plan between the employee and their leader and, where possible, shall consist of a block of consecutive work days.”
No where in the Letter of Understanding is there a requirement to use your vacation days by March 31, 2021 or be forced to use vacation in half day increments.
SAFA takes this continuing avoidance of mutual agreement very seriously.
This was first addressed with the SAIT Executive Management Team in December and yesterday, I brought this issue forward at our monthly Joint Advisory Committee meeting attended by SAIT Employee Services and the Deans of the School of Business and School of Hospitality and Tourism. The consensus at both meetings was in line with the Letter of Understanding as stated above. There was also a commitment from SAIT to bring this issue forward to Deans’ Council so that all managers and academic chairs would have the correct information.
I’m hopeful that we can resolve this through the discussions I’ve had with both SAIT’s Executive Management Council and with Employee Services so that all managers are clear on the vacation process. However, SAFA is prepared to advance a policy grievance, if need be, in order to resolve this issue. I want to thank faculty for bringing this to SAFA’s (and my) attention. If you continue to receive notification about a March 31st end date, please email SAFA immediately so we can be in contact with that program or school.
In Solidarity and Service to Members,