Return to Work (a) The parties recognize the duty of reasonable accommodation for individuals under the Human Rights Code of Ontario and agree that this Collective Agreement will be interpreted in such a way as to permit the Employer and the Union to discharge that duty. To that end, the Home and the Union agree to cooperate in complying with the Ontario Human Rights Code.
(b) The Home and the Union agree to ongoing and timely communication by all participants. For the purposes of expediting communication the Home and the Union agree that participants will use electronic communication where available.
(c) If an employee becomes disabled, including WSIB, with the result that she is unable to perform the regular functions of her position, the Employer may determine a special classification and salary, with the hope of providing an opportunity for continued employment. Positions established under this article will not constitute new classifications and shall lapse upon the termination, resignation, or retirement of the employee in question.
(d) Prior to any disabled employee returning to work from a disability including WSIB to a modified/light/alternate work program, the Employer will notify and meet with members of the bargaining unit executive to consult on a back to work program for the worker. Any agreement resulting from these discussions which conflicts with the collective agreement shall, subject to agreement by the Union, prevail over any provision of this agreement in the event of a conflict. Nothing in this language obligates the Employer to establish a modified/ light/alternative work program, except as required by law.
Entitlements Upon Return to Work
(a) An employee who returns to work after the expiration of maternity, parental, or pre-adoption leaves shall retain the seniority the employee had accumulated prior to commencing the leave and shall be credited with seniority for the period of time covered by the leave.
(b) On return from maternity, parental, or pre-adoption leaves, an employee shall be placed in the employee's former position or in a position of equal rank and basic pay.
(c) Notwithstanding Clauses 18.1(b) and 18.6, vacation entitlements and vacation pay shall continue to accrue while an employee is on leave pursuant to Clause 21.1 providing:
(1) the employee returns to work for a period of not less than six months, and
(2) the employee has not received parental allowance pursuant to 21.6; and
(3) the employee was employed prior to March 28, 2001. Notwithstanding Clause 18.6(a) vacation earned pursuant to this clause may be carried over to the following year, or be paid out, at the employee's option.
(d) Employees who are unable to complete the return to work period in (c) as a result of proceeding on maternity, parental or pre-adoption leave shall be credited with their earned vacation entitlements and vacation pay providing the employee returns to work for a period of not less than six months following the expiration of the subsequent maternity, parental or pre-adoption leave.