LOA 2024-002

Letter of Agreement 2024-002

Between
Concordia University (hereinafter the “University”)
and
Concordia University Professional Employee Union (CSN) (hereinafter the “Union”)
Collectively the “Parties”

Object: Letter of Agreement 2024-002 – Compressed Work Schedule

WHEREAS the Parties wish to offer different schedule options to employees in order to promote their well-being and work-life balance;
WHEREAS considering the mission of teaching and research of the University, the operational requirements, the student experience, and the vision of the University regarding the academic environment and work at the University;
WHEREAS the discussion that took place among the Parties during the renewal of the 2021–2023 Collective Agreement.

The Parties agree as follows:

  1. The preamble forms an integral part of this Letter of Agreement.
  2. The University supports compressed work schedules.
  3. The implementation of a compressed work schedule is dependent upon the following key criteria:
    • The needs of the departments/units;
    • The employee’s position and the inherent obligations of the position;
    • The desire of the employee to have a compressed work schedule;
    • A compressed work schedule does not reduce the number of hours worked.
  4. Upon agreement between the immediate supervisor and the employee, and taking into consideration the key criteria above, a compressed work schedule can be different from the regular work week provided for in clause 24.01.
    The University shall not reject a request without a valid reason as provided for in article 3 of the present Letter of Agreement.
  5. The immediate supervisor will confirm the agreed-upon compressed work schedule and start date with the employee using the compressed work schedule form.
    If the supervisor refuses the employee’s request for a compressed work schedule, they must provide in writing the reason(s) for the refusal, as follows:

    • The needs of the departments/units; and/or
    • The employee’s position and the inherent obligations of the position; or
    • Other reason(s).
  6. When applicable, the compressed work schedule shall be determined for a period not exceeding:
    • September to April;
    • May to August.
  7. Upon agreement between the immediate supervisor and the employee, the compressed work schedule can be renewed.
  8. Whenever two (2) employees in the same department/unit wish to exchange their weekly days off or their established compressed work schedules, they must receive the prior approval of the immediate supervisor.
  9. An employee can submit a request to their immediate supervisor for a compressed work schedule allowing for the redistribution of work hours over a one- or two-week cycle, provided the position permits. The supervisor and employee may also agree on an alternative distribution of work hours.
  10. The normal workday or normal work week are the ones agreed upon by the employee and their immediate supervisor. All work performed by an employee outside of the workday or work week agreed in the compressed work schedule is considered overtime, if approved in advance by the immediate supervisor.
  11. The compressed work schedule in each department is set up as equitably as possible. If it is not possible to grant the desired compressed work schedule to all employees, the immediate supervisor and the employees in the department/unit shall agree on the compressed work schedule based on the key criteria of point number 3.
  12. The compressed work week does not have the effect of reducing the regular 35-hour work week of the employee.
  13. The present Letter of Agreement is in force as of the signature of the Collective Agreement and expires at the renewal of the next Collective Agreement.