OL 318 Module Three Discussion: CBA Example—Employee Safety

For use in Task 3-1, Discussion Board forum: Collective Bargaining – Employee Safety, in preparation for Final Project Milestone One.

The following Collective Bargaining Agreement Example is provided as a starting point for the development of a more detailed section that would eliminate confusion and conflict surrounding the specific issues of employee protective clothing, equipment, and tools.

From the standpoint of management:

• Employees are asking for new steel-toed boots every few months and appear to be taking advantage of the agreement.
• All of the employees want cold-weather gear even though some really do not perform many outside functions in the winter.

From the standpoint of the union:

• Sometimes the boots and gear get wet when working outside and a second pair is often needed but never provided.
• Employees are asked to do work with gear that is inadequate and worn out.
• There are growing concerns about the safety of employees in frigid working conditions with inadequate cold-weather gear.

Questions that need to be answered in the discussion forum:

• Should there be a set amount/limit that management will pay for new boots, jackets, and cold-weather gear?
• Should employees be allowed to pick out their own style of boots and gear?
• Is there only one source/vendor that all employees must use, or can they pick and choose?
• How should management handle gear that is worn out—should employees be able to keep it or does it go back to management?
• Can employees take the gear home with them, or should they change at the shop prior to the work shift?

SECTION 25.05:  PROTECTIVE CLOTHING, EQUIPMENT, TOOLS

The Employer agrees to provide to employees any required tools and safety or protective equipment, reasonably fitted safety clothing, and devices necessary to provide protection of employees from hazardous conditions to include inclement weather encountered during the performance of official duties.  Such equipment will be provided as authorized by applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. The Union agrees to assist the Employer in aggressively publicizing the benefits of the use of protective devices and equipment by employees, and their adhering to good safety practices, policies, and procedures.