HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-1326.Union.88-11-16ri
ONTARIO EMPLOYESDEL/I CO”RONNE
CROWNEMPLOYEES OE“ONTARI0
GRIEVANCE CQMMISSION DE
SElTLEMENT REGLEMENT
BOARD DES GRIEFS
180 0”NOAS STREET WEST. TORONTO. ONTARIO. M5G IIS - S”,TEE?IW
1s0, RUE DUNLMS OUEST. TORONTO, (ONTARlOj M50 I,?8 - B”&EA”PIW
Between : OPSEU (Union Grievance)
TELEPHONE/TE‘&WONE
,418,5W-0688
1326/81
IN THE MATTER OF AR ARBITRATION
Under
THE CROWN EMPLOYEES COLLECTIVE BARGAINING ACT
Before
THE GRIEVANCE SETTLEMENT BOARD
Grievor
- and -
The Crown in Right of Ontario
(Management Board of Cabinet)
Smployer
Before: B.B. Fisher Vice-Chalrperson
I. Freedman Member
p.D. Camp I Member
For the Grievor: 8. Herllch
Counsel
Cavalluzzo, Hayes 6 Lennon
BArristera and Solicitors
For the EnDlover: A. Burke
Counsel
Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie
Barristers & SolicitorS
Rear inas: February 12, 198A
September 26. 1988
INTERIM DECISION
This case involves the question of whether or not probationary employees are covered by
the job security provisions in Article 24 of the current Collective Agreement.
The Union took the position that the words are clear and unambiguous on their face and
was prepared to argue the merits of the case without the introduction of any evidence, however,
the employer took the initial position that the words were also clear and unambiguous on their face
but as an alternative argument pleaded that the words may well be unclear and ambiguous and
therefore, sought leave to introduce extrinsic evidence as to the negotiating history and past
practice.
The Board asked the parties to make their argument as to whether~or not the words
were clear and unambiguous before deciding on whether or not to introduce extrinsic evidence and
after listening to the legal arguments of both parties, the Board is satisfied that the use ofthe
word “seniority” in the context of Article 24 is unclear and ambiguous and therefore, extrinsic
evidence would be permitted in this case with respect to negotiating history, past practice with
respect to this particular section and past and current practice with respect to other articles of
the Collective Agreement in which same or similar words are utilized. The Union will present its
extrinsic evidence first and then management may call whatever extrinsic evidence it feels
necessary.
There was considerable argument and discussion at the hearing with respect to the
propriety of the Union presenting reply evidence on the issue of past practice, however, the Board
decided that they were unable to provide any ruling in advance of the Union indicating what
evidence, if any, it actually does want to present in reply.
-2-
The Registrar has directed to arrange for two additional days of hearing on this matter.
, this 16 day of November , 1988.
,.”