Common use of Reduction of the Work Force Clause in Contracts

Reduction of the Work Force. In the event the School Board determines it is necessary to reduce the work force by a reduction in hours or positions, the School Board and the Union and District shall negotiate the procedure based on job-relevant qualifications, ability to perform the work required, and seniority. A reduction of force will occur based on seniority when job relevant qualifications are equal. Employees will have the following options: a. An employee may choose a demotion instead of a layoff if a lower level classification vacancy exists. b. An employee may choose demotion instead of a layoff if a vacancy exists in a formerly held classification. c. An employee may bump the least senior employee in the same classification. d. An employee may choose to take the layoff. e. An employee who takes a demotion as a result of a reduction in force measure shall be placed at the pay grade on the salary schedule which is closest to the employee’s previous (pre-demotion) pay grade, provided the new position is within the same category (i.e., “Category 1” or “Category 2”) as the previous position. Subd. 1 Seniority shall be defined as an employee's length of continuous employment with the School Board in a job covered by this Contract. Subd. 2 Employees laid off under the provisions of this Section shall hold recall rights for a period of one (1) year. Employees recalled to employment shall be given a fourteen (14) calendar day written notice of recall. Employees will receive notice of recall by certified mail. Employees who do not return to employment within the fourteen (14) calendar day period shall waive any right to re- employment. Employees recalled from lay-off shall be paid at the step of the Salary Schedule the employee was on at the time of lay-off.