We have become aware that an email is circulating amongst the staff at DRS requiring A&R union members attending the upcoming Professional Development seminar to justify in writing to their supervisor how the seminar relates to the employee's job assignment, in order to have the leave approved. The requirement DRS is imposing misses the fact that the seminar, which is being sponsored by A&R, has long ago received all necessary approvals from the Office of Labor Relations. We developed the seminar's framework with the explicit intent and understanding that it be applicable and beneficial to all of A&R's white collar professional titles. It is under these circumstances and mutual understanding that OLR gave its nod of approval.
It is our strong belief and understanding that the seminar's framework, and how it affirmatively relates to each and every A&R job title, has already been approved by OLR. We feel it is inappropriate for agencies or supervisors to be second guessing this.
Rest assured, if you signed up to attend the Professional Development seminar sponsored by A&R, by virtue of your A&R title, you qualify to attend:
DO NOT ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE INTIMATED!
DON'T LET ANYONE DEPRIVE YOU OF YOUR CONTRACTUAL BENEFITS
IF THE AGENCY PERSIST IN THIS MADNESS, SUBMIT A REQUEST SUCH AS:
- "TO ATTEND A&R PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR AS APPROVED BY OLR"
Please note that you do need to provide your supervisor at least three weeks advance written notice if you intend to utilize professional leave time to attend.
Please contact us if you have any questions or are experiencing any issues related to this or any other contract right.
-posted 9/22