1 JUNIOR STAFF COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN TELECOMMUNICATIONS
SERVICESOF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO LIMITED (hereinafter referred to as
The Company) AND COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION (hereinafter referred
to as The Union) For and on behalf of all categories of workers,
comprising the Junior Staff Bargaining Unit, employed by the
Telecommunications
ServicesofTrinidadandTobagoLimited,initsoperationsin the Republic
of Trinidad and Tobago.
****************************************************************
PREAMBLE (i)TELECOMMUNICATIONSSERVICESOFTRINIDADANDTOBAGOLIMITED
(hereinafter referred to as the Company) is committed to
beasuccessfulproviderofqualitytelecommunications
services.Inthisregard,theCompanyisobligatedto
provideandmaintainacontinuousandreliableserviceto the satisfaction
of its customers. (ii)
THECOMMUNICATIONWORKERSUNION(hereinafterreferredto
astheUnion)istheRecognizedMajorityUnionforthe
employeescoveredbythisAgreementinaccordancewith
CertificateofRecognitionNos140and357issuedbythe Registration,
Recognition and Certification Board. (iii)The spirit and intention
of this Agreement is to establish
andmaintainagoodrelationshipbetweentheCompanyand the Union. (iv)
Inthisregard,theCompanyundertakestostriveforan
industrialclimatethatwillencourageemployeestobe
efficient,effectiveandproductive,insofarassuch
efficiency,effectivenessandproductivityarerequiredin the normal and
usual operation of the Companys business. 2
(v)TheUniononitspartshalluseitsbestendeavoursto assist in ensuring
that the employees shall: (a)at all times perform their duties to
the best of their ability; (b)co-operate in efforts to restore
interruptedservices as rapidly as possible;
(c)takeadvantageofeachandeveryopportunityoffered
inextendingandimprovingtechnicalknowledgeand skills. (vi)
RecognizingtheobligationoftheCompanytoprovidea twenty-four (24)
hour service to the public and recognizing
thatitisnecessarythereforefortheCompany,fromtime
totime,toemployworkersafternormalworkinghoursand also on Saturdays,
Sundays and Public Holidays and, subject to the following
restrictions: (a)TheCompanyandtheUnionagreethatsystematicovertime
shall be avoided; (b)Workersshallbeexcusedfromworkingovertimefor
just cause; (c)Nothing contained in the preceding paragraphs shall
be soconstruedastoexcludetherightoftheUnions Representatives to
bring to the notice of the Company
anycasesofovertimewhichtheymaydesireto discuss. ARTICLE 1 -
RECOGNITION 1.1TheCompanyrecognisestheUnionasthesoleBargaining
AgentforallJuniorStaffemployeesinitsemploywithin
theBargainingUnitasdescribedinCertificateNos.140
and357,forthepurposeofcollectivebargainingin
respectofsalaries,hoursofworkandothertermsand
conditionsofemploymentandtheirgeneralinterestand welfare as
employees of the Company. 3
1.2TheCompanyandtheUnionacknowledgetherightofeach
othertoincludeontheirNegotiatingCommitteeeither
nationalorinternationalrepresentativesfromaffiliated organisations
or advisors and consultants to assist them in the course of their
negotiations. 1.3AllprovisionsoftheAgreementshallbebindinguponthe
successorsorassignsoftheCompanyandtheUnion.In
caseofaconsolidationormerger,representativesofthe
CompanyandtheUnionshallmeetwithoutdelayand
negotiatesuitableprovisionsfortheprotectionofthe
employeesseniority,service,benefitsandother interests. ARTICLE 2-
DEFINITION 2.1AGREEDmeansmutualagreementbetweentheUnionandthe
Company. 2.2AUXILIARYVEHICLEshallmeanvehicleswithpneumatic and/or
hydraulic attachments such as telstar units, derrick type vehicles
or bucket trucks etc. 2.3CALL OUT refers to a request from the
Company to an off-dutyemployeetoreporttoperformdutiesoutsideofhis
rostered or normal hours.
2.4CASUALEMPLOYEEmeansanyemployeewhoisnormally engaged for a period
of not more than six (6) weeks.He is an employee only on the day or
days he works.If such an
employeesperiodofemploymentextendsbeyondsix(6)
consecutiveweeks,heshallbeimmediatelyreclassifieda
TemporaryEmployeewitheffectfromtheinitialdateof his current
employment. 2.5 CHECKOFFmeansthesystemwhereby,ontheirwritten
authorization, Union dues of members of the Union shall be deducted
from their salaries by the Company and remitted to the Union on or
before the last working day of the current month. 2.6 DISTRICT
shall refer to a geographic division of Companys network. 4
(i)District I - from Chaguaramas to Morvant junction; (ii)District
II- from Morvant junction to Toco in the East and extending South
to Chaguanas; (iii) District III - from Couva extending South; and
(iv)District IV- Tobago 2.7EMPLOYEEmeansanyworkerwhoiscoveredbythis
Agreement. 2.8ESTABLISHMENTmeansthetotalnumberofpermanent employees
in each category employed by the Company to carry out its
operations. 2.9ONCALLreferstothesystemforrosteringemployeesto
respondtoemergencieswhichmayariseinthetelephone network between
6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. daily, and shall be
interpretedtomeanalsoduringthedayonSaturdays, Sundays and Public
Holidays. 2.10 PARTTIMEEMPLOYEEmeansanemployeewhoisassignedto work
the number of hours in the normal week. 2.11
PERMANENTEMPLOYEEmeansanyemployeewhohasbeen confirmed in a
permanent post in the fixed establishment of
theCompany,havingsuccessfullypassedamedical
examinationandsatisfactorilycompletedhisprobationary period of
service. 2.12 PERSONALPROTECTIVEEQUIPMENTmeansallclothingand
accessoriesdesignedtocreateabarrieragainsthazards encountered in
the working environment. 2.13
PROBATIONmeansaperiodoftimeprecedingconfirmation to a permanent
post. 2.14 PROBATIONARYEMPLOYEEmeansanewemployeewhohasbeen
employedonprobationtofillavacancyinthe establishment of the
Company. 2.15 RESTDAYmeansanydayonwhichanemployeeisnot rostered to
work. 5 2.16 SENIORITYmeansanemployeewillbedeemedtobesenior
toanotheremployeeifheistheholderofasubstantive
positioninahighergrade.Withingrades,senioritywill be determined in
the order of the dates of appointment to that grade. Seniority of
service shall be determined by the date on which the employee
commences continuous employment with the Company.
2.17 SERVICEmeansthecontinuousperiodspentinthe employment of the
Company as a permanent worker, including
allapprovedleavesofabsenceforwhichaworkeris
grantedleavewithorwithoutpay.Anyperiodofunbroken
temporaryemploymentwhichcontinuesintopermanent
employmentshallbeconsideredasservicebytheCompany for the purpose of
this Agreement. 2.18 SHIFTWORKmeansasystemofworkwherethedaily
operationsarecarriedoutuninterruptedlyonafullor limited rotational
basis. 2.19 TEMPORARYEMPLOYEEmeansanyworkerwhosetermof continuous
employment is not normally intended to last more
thannine(9)months,exceptwhenengagedforaspecific project of more
than nine (9) months. 2.20
TRAINEEmeansapersonwhoisselectedtoundergo training in an identified
area of the Company for a period not exceeding nine (9) months.
2.21 UNIFORMmeansdistinctiveclothingofacommondesign,
colourandfashiontobewornbystaffandservingasa
meansofidentificationtotheinternaland/orexternal publics. 2.22
WORKBASEmeansaworklocationwheretheemployee reports to a Supervisor
for duty each day and registers his times of arrival and departure
on a daily basis.
2.23 InthisAgreement,thesingularshallincludetheplural and the
masculine shall include the feminine. 6 ARTICLE 3 - MUTUAL
RECOGNITION OF RIGHTS
3.1Itisacknowledgedthatalltherights,powers,authority and regular
customary functions of Management are vested in the Company,
provided, however, that:-
(a)Whenever drastic effects of economic conditions and/or
technological changes are considered by the Company to
warrantareductioninitsnormallabourforce,the
Unionshallbecalledtodiscussthematterjointly
withtheCompanybeforeanydecisionisimplemented.
Ifitisagreedthatthesituationrequiresa
reductioninthenormallabourforce,theUnionand
theCompanyshallabidebythetermsandconditions laid out in Schedule 1.
(b)TheUnionshallhavetherighttoinitiateactionon
anycomplaintorgrievanceinaccordancewiththe Grievance Procedure set
out in Schedule 2.
(c)Wherever and whenever possible, the Company agrees to
offeralternativeemploymentinordertoaffordsuch
employeesthechoicebetweenredundancyand redeployment.
3.2LettersofUnderstandingmaybeexchangedbetweenthe Company and the
Union. ARTICLE 4 - LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Employeesshallbeentitledtotheundermentionedleavesof absence in
accordance with the terms and conditions specified in
Schedule3,withtheexceptionofInjuryleavewhichis reflected in Article
15: A. Union Leave B. Annual Vacation Leave C. Sick Leave D.
Maternity Leave E. Paternity Leave F. Casual Leave G. Bereavement
Leave H. Special Leave 7 I. Study Leave J. Post Course Leave
ARTICLE 5 - PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
5.1TheCompanyshallrecognizeallPublicHolidaysso proclaimed by the
Government. 5.2When a Public Holiday falls within a shift employees
work week and such public holiday coincides with the
employeesrestday,heshallbegrantedanotherdayoffwithin
twenty-eight(28)daysofsuchpublicholiday,or,upon
request,suchleaveshallbecreditedtohisannual vacation leave
entitlement of the following year.
5.3Wherethereisapublicholiday,theworkweekshallbe
reducedbythenumberofhourstheemployeewouldhave worked had the day
not been a public holiday. 5.4When a public holiday falls on a
Saturday, those employees on regular day work, Monday to Friday,
shall have an extra day added to their vacation leave entitlement.
5.5Shouldapublicholidayoccurduringanyemployees
vacationperiod,heshallbecreditedwithanextradays
vacationforeachsuchholiday.Theforegoingshallnot apply when an
employee is enjoying No-Pay leave. ARTICLE 6 - ALLOWANCES
Employeesshallbeentitledtothefollowingallowancesin
accordancewiththespecificationsinSchedule4,withthe exception of the
Acting, Training and Warm Clothing Allowances, which are reflected
in Articles 7 and 23 respectively: (1) Lunch Allowance (12) On Call
Allowances (2) Meal Allowance(13) Call Out Allowance
(3) Disturbance Allowance(14) Extra Duty Allowance (Overtime)
(4) Sleeping Out and Out-of(15)Travelling Allowance Pocket
Allowance 8 (5) Height Allowance (16) Foreign Language Allowance
(6) Jack Hammer Allowance (17 Wheel Change Allowance (7) Driving
Allowance(18) Cost of Living Allowance (8)Motor Cycle Allowance
(19) Laundry Allowance (9)Shift Allowance (20) Canvassing
Allowance
(10) Split Shift Allowance(21) Training Instructor Allowance
(11) In Charge Allowance ARTICLE 7 - ACTING (a)An employee acting
in any Job Category listed in Schedule 7 or being promoted to a Job
Category listed in Schedule 5 of
thisAgreementshallreceiveanexistingsalaryinthe higher grade in
which he is acting or to which he is being promoted, equivalent to:
The value of two (2) increments in thehigher grade plus his
substantive salary,or the next higher salary point in the grade.
ThisconditionshallalsoapplytoJuniorStaffemployees
actinginorbeingpromotedtopositionsintheSenior Staff Bargaining
Unit. (b)Inordertoqualifyfortheadditionalpay,theemployee
shallactinthehighergradeforacontinuousperiodof not less than five
(5) working days. (c)AnyJunioremployeeconsiderednextinlinetoaSenior
employee whose job title is not listed in Schedule 7, shall
bedeemedtobeactingforhiminhisabsenceaslongas the said duties are
carried out by the junior employee. No
actingallowancewillbepaidtosuchemployeebuthis
actinginthiscapacityshallberecordedinhispersonal file. 9 (d)The
employee next in line to his Senior shall be entitled to act for
him in his absence and shall be so informed in writing at least
seven (7) days prior to the effective date of his acting
appointment. (e)TheCompanysfailuretoofficiallyinformanemployeeof
theactingappointmentortoprovidesatisfactoryreasons
inwritingforhimnotbeingappointedtoactforhis
Seniorshallnotbeconsideredreasontodebarhimfrom
receivingactingallowanceinaccordancewith(a)above should he so
qualify. ARTICLE 8 - JOB TITLES The Job Titles covered by this
Agreement are listed in Schedule 5. ARTICLE 9 - SALARIES AND
CLASSIFICATIONS
Salaries,classificationsandincreasesshallbeassetoutin Schedule 6.
ARTICLE 10 - SENIORITY AND PROBATION 10.1 Seniority of service
shall be the determining factor where
allotherrelevantconsiderationsareequal,inmatters
affectingassignmentofhours,voluntaryandinvoluntary
transfers,promotions,lay-offsandrehiringafterlay-offs. 10.2 (a)The
Probationary Employee shall be on probation for a
periodoffour(4)months.Nothinghereinshall
precludetheextensionofthisperiod,providedthat such extension is by
mutual agreement and is equal to
butnotgreaterthantwo(2)months,andthatthe employee is notified in
writing of the reasons for the
extensionpriortotheexpirationofthefour(4) months. 10 (b)A
probationary employees service may be terminated at any time during
his probationary period if he is found to be unsatisfactory.He must
be informed in writing astothereason(s)fortheterminationofhis
probation. (c)Unlessinformedinwritingtothecontrary,an
employeewhohascompletedhisprobationaryperiod shall be deemed to
have joined the establishment. ARTICLE 11 - MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
11.1 Managementagreesthatallemploymentofworkersshallbe
doneundertheTermsandConditionsofthisCollective Agreement. 11.2
Whenmattersaffectingtheinterestandwellbeingof
employeesarebroughttoManagementsattention,such
mattersshallbehandledasexpeditiouslyaspossible.In
mattersofafinancialnaturewhereagreementisreached between Management
and the Union, but final implementation
isundulydelayedbyManagement,suchsettlementshallbe retroactive to
the initial date. 11.3
TheCompanyshallendeavourtopayallmoniesduetoan employee who has
separated from the Company, not later than one (1) month after the
effective date of his separation. 11.4 The Company agrees to
furnish a Certificate of Employment,
uponrequest,toanyemployeewhohasseparatedfromthe Company. 11.5
Disciplinary Action (a)Whenamatterariseswhich,intheopinionofthe
Company,couldresultinanemployeebeingsuspended
ordismissed,theUnionshallbenotifiedwithintwo
(2)workingdaysofaComplaintbeingfiledagainst the employee.
(b)Anyallegationsagainstanyemployeewithinthe Bargaining Unit shall
be preceded by a Complaint form
statingthedate(s),placeandfrequencyofthe
allegationsandthespecificallegationandthe details of the
allegations against the employee. 11
(c)Whenanemployeeissuspendedordismissedbythe
Companyforcause,boththeemployeeandtheUnion
shallbenotifiedinwritingwithintwo(2)working days. If a grievance
arises and in furtherance of the
GrievanceProcedure,thesuspension/dismissalis
determinedtoberevocable,suchdecisionshallbe rescinded and the
employee shall receive reimbursement
ofallmonieslostandhisseniorityreinstatedand such other benefits as
would normally accrue. 11.6 Personal File (a)No adverse entry shall
be made in the personal file of
anyemployeecoveredbythisAgreementwithouthis
knowledgeandthatoftheSecretaryGeneralofthe Union.
(b)Acopyofeverysuchentryshallbegiventothe employeeand to the
Secretary/Treasurer of the Branch within five (5) working days of
such issue. (c)UponrequestbyamemberoftheUnionsExecutive
Board,copiesofalldocumentsrelevanttoamatter being considered by the
Union shall be produced by the Company for perusal when such
documents are considered
helpfulindetermininganymatterbroughtagainstan employee. (d)No
Supervisor shall in normal circumstances, adversely
loganyemployeewithouthispriorknowledge.Whena log entry is necessary
in the employees absence, this must be shown to him on his next
attendance on duty. (e)Whereanadversereport,placedinanemployees
personalfilehasbeendisproved,itshallbe immediately removed, and he
shall be so informed, and the data surrounding that particular
matter shall not beusedagainsttheemployeeatanytime.Noticeof
suchremovalshallbegiventoboththeBranch
Secretary/Treasurerandtheemployeewithinfive(5) working days.
(f)Anywarningletteroradverseentryshallberemoved from an employees
personal file after one (1) year if
nosimilaroffencehasoccurredduringtheone(1) year period, and the
employee to be so informed within five (5) working days. 12
11.7 Temporary Employees
(a)Temporaryemployeeswiththeexceptionofthose
engagedonContractinstallations,constructionwork,
specialdevelopmentprojectsorasrelieffor
employeesonleaveshallbemadepermanentaftera
periodofnine(9)monthscontinuousworkprovided
thattherearevacanciesintheestablishmentand subject to satisfactory
performance. (b)Uponappointmenttothepermanentstaff,atemporary
employeeshallbedeemedtohaveservedhis
probationaryperiodduringthetimehehadbeen
temporary,andshallbeentitledtoallprovisions herein. (c)
TheCompanyagreestoinformtheUnionofthe employment of workers on a
temporary basis. 11.8 Transfers (a)Employees in the Bargaining Unit
shall be transferred either temporarily or permanently to areas,
districts, departments, work bases, work centres and sections.
(b)In the case of transfers by the Company, the employee must be
notified at least two (2) weeks in advance and
giventhereason/sforthetransferandthespecific
functiontobecarriedout,exceptincasesof emergency
whenheshallbegivennotificationnot
laterthanone(1)weekfromtheinitialdateof transfer.
(c)Exceptinspecificcircumstances,temporarytransfers shall not
exceed three (3) months.
(d)Wheneveranemployeeispermanentlytransferred,he
shallbeentitledtoaDisturbanceAllowance,where
applicable,inaccordancewithSchedule4ofthis Agreement. 13 (e)When an
employee is temporarily transferred, he shall be paid a Lunch
Allowance and/or additional travelling
costswhereapplicable.Theseadditionaltravelling
costsshallbebasedontransportcostsfromthe
employeesworkbasetothepointoftemporary
transfer.Lunchallowancewillbepaidusingthe following example:
District 1Using the rectangle Independence Square
South-TSTTHouse,East-Henry Street,West-RichmondStreetand
North-KeateStreet.Anyworkbase outsidetherectangle,lunchallowance
will be paid. District III - (a)Thompson to Gasparillo (b)Thompson
to Marabella and vice versa (c)CiperoRoadtoSt.JamesStreet and vice
versa. ARTICLE 12 - CONTRACT WORK 12.1
(a)TheCompanyshallnotcontractoutworknormally
performedbyemployeescoveredbythisAgreement.However,providedalwaysthatemploymentofits
regular employees shall not be adversely affected, the
Companymaycontractoutworkinthefollowing circumstances:- (i) Where
the work load cannot be carried out by the regular work force. (ii)
Inthecaseofspecificprojectsortemporary
operationsrequiringskilland/ormenand/or equipment not available in
the Company. (iii)Wheretheprocessortechnologyhaschangedthe work to
the extent that the regular workforce is unable to perform tasks in
the required time. (iv)Wherespecificprojectsortemporaryoperations
requireskilland/orequipmentnotavailablein the Company. 14
(b)In the event that it becomes necessary to contract out work,
the Company shall stipulate in its contract with
thecontractor,thatheshallpaywagesandapply
conditionsofworknotlessfavourablethanthose
containedinthisAgreement,exceptwherethe
contractorispartytoaCollectiveAgreementwith another Trade Union.
(c)In the event that the regular workers are adversely
affected,theCompanyundertakestoexplorethe possibility of
redeployment of such workers and to do
suchotherthingsastominimizesuchoranyadverse effects. 12.2
(a)TheCompanyfurtherstipulatesthatwhencontract
labourisengaged,theContractorshallpaynotless
thantheminimumratefortheparticularjob
classificationasprovidedintheScheduletothe
existingAgreementandshallobserveallotherterms and conditions
stipulated in the existing Agreement as appropriate or applicable.
(b)TheCompanyagreesthatitwillspecifyinall
contractsthattheContractorwillpayhisemployees
inenvelopesshowingtheemployeesname,
classification,rate,amountofstraighttimeand overtime hours worked
and amount of pay. (c)Forotherworkcontractedout,theCompanyagreesto
includeaprovisioninthecontractstipulatingthat the Contractor will
pay not less than the minimum rate
establishedforworkofthesamecharacterinthe trade or industry
concerned. (i)by practice or Collective Agreements; (ii) by
arbitration or Industrial Court awards issued in
theabsenceoforsubsequenttoanysuch Agreement, or by law. 15 ARTICLE
13 - JOB DESCRIPTIONS
(a)TheCompanyshallfurnishtheUnionwithcopiesofjob descriptions for
all the job titles included in the present
contractandforwhichwagesandsalarieshavebeen
established.TheCompanyshallalsonotifytheUnionof
itsintentiontocreateanynewjobtitleswithinthe Bargaining Unit and
the description thereof, together with salary/ies to be paid for
such new job/s. (b)TheCompanyagreestonotifytheUnionofanyJobTitles
whichmaybediscontinuedwithintheBargainingUnitwith the reason/s
thereof. (c)Job Evaluation (i)It is agreed by the parties that any
changes in job classificationshallbedependentupontheresults of any
job evaluation exercise undertaken by the Job Evaluation Committee.
(ii) Wheneveranydepartmentalre-organisationis
beingundertakentheCompanyshallgiveatleast
fourteen(14)daysnoticeofanyintendedchanges.Inaddition,theCompanyshallfirstprovidethe
Union with a chart showing the proposed changes. (iii)Each employee
shall be provided with a copy of his job description and related
job documents. ARTICLE 14 - UNIFORMS
(a)UniformsshallbeprovidedbytheCompanyinaccordance with the
provisions of Schedule 10.
(b)TheCompanyshallprovideuniformsnotlaterthanMarch 31st each
year.In the event that the Company is unable to
providesuchuniformsbythatdate,theUnionshallbe advised as to the
reasons. (c)In the event that new job titles are created, the
Company andtheUnionshallmutuallyagreeontheprovisionsof uniforms. 16
(d)Thedesignandcolourofuniformsforstaffshallbe reviewed on 1st
April of every three years. ARTICLE 15 - OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH,
SAFETY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
ThepartiestothisAgreementrecogniseanemployee'srightto working
conditions which show respect for his health, safety and physical
well-being. TheCompanyandtheUnionrecognisethatthemaintenanceand
developmentoftheemployee'sgeneralwell-beingconstitutea common
objective.As a result, all efforts shall be employed to
preventandcorrectanysituationliabletocompromisethe
healthandsafetyofemployeesordeterioratethework environment.
Partiesalsoagreetorecogniseandadheretoalllegislation covering this
area: 15.1 (a)ItshallbetheCompany'sresponsibilitytoprovide
employeeswithsafeworkingconditionsandtheUnion
shallco-operatewiththeCompanytoensurethat
employeesarefamiliarwiththeuseofallsafety equipment and procedures.
(b)ThepartiesagreethatthereshallbeaSafety Committee comprising
eight (8) persons who are hereby
designatedSafetyStewards.Thereshallbeequal representation between
the Union and the Management-
thatistosay-four(4)representativesforeach.Committeemeetingsshallbechairedbya
representative of Management.
(c)TheSafetyCommitteeshallmeetonceamonthoras
oftenasisdeemednecessary.TheCommitteeshall
makeappropriaterecommendationswherenecessary,
relatingtosafetystandardsintheworkplacewith
respecttomachinery,equipmentandmethodsofwork.The Committee shall
monitor the implementation of such recommendations that are
acceptable to the Company. 17 15.2 The Company shall provide, and
employees shall use, safety equipment and protective clothing,
whilst on duty, whenever such is considered by the Company to be
necessary for the protection of employees. 15.3
TheCompanyshallprovideprotectiveclothingnotlater than March 31st
each year.Such outfits and clothing shall be issued in accordance
with the provisions of Schedule
11.IntheeventthattheCompanyisunabletoprovidesuch
ProtectiveClothingbytheabovedate,theUnionshallbe advised as to the
reasons by the Company and the employees informed. 15.4 Upon
submission of a medical certificate, an employee who,
formedicalreasons,cannotwearanyoftheissuesof Protective Clothing
supplied to him, shall be provided with suitable replacement
garments by the Company.The Company
reservestherighttohavetheemployeeundergoa
specialistexaminationofthemedicalproblem,whichcost shall be borne
by the Company. 15.5
TheCompanyshallalsoprovideindividualissuesandthe employees shall
wear the following:- (a)SafetyHelmetsforusebyLinesmen,Cablemen,
Installers, Electricians, Transmission Technicians and
Refrigeration Technicians.
(b)RaincoatsandRubberBootsasmaybenecessaryfor employees when they
are required to work in inclement weather. (c)Employees shall not
be required to work in conditions
whichareunsafeorforwhichtheyarenotproperly equipped with the
necessary safety gear. 15.6
Atstationswheremanningisnecessary,notlessthantwo
(2)permanentemployeesofsimilarcategoryshallbe rostered under normal
conditions. 15.7 The Company agrees to provide adequately stocked
First Aid Kitstoeachworkdepartment/worklocationand vehicle/crew.
15.8 Techniciansarenottoproceedtounmannedsitesby themselves. 18
ARTICLE 16 - INJURY ON DUTY (a)Any employee who is injured during
the course of his duties withtheCompanyshallbepaidhisfullsalaryand
compensationasprovidedundertheWorkmen'sCompensation
Ordinance.Injury Leave shall be at full pay and shall not
bedeductedfromtheemployee'snormalsickleave entitlement.
(b)Immediatemedicalattentionshallbegiventoanemployee
whoisinjuredduringthecourseofhisemployment.In
casesofmedicallycertifiedincapacity,transportation
shallbeprovidedbytheCompanyformedicalattention during the period of
illness arising from the injury.
(c)Intheeventthatanemployeesustainsaninjuryonthe
job,whichrequiresmedicalattention,itshallbethe
responsibilityoftheCompanytoabsorballmedicaland
relatedcosts,includingtransportation.Moreover,when
theinjuryrequiresoverseastreatment,theattending physician must so
certify and the Company shall be required
toabsorbthecostoftheoverseastravelandmedical attention. (d)The
Company shall ensure that all aspects of the Workmens
CompensationOrdinanceareappliedwithinthespecified time frame, and
shall notify the Union.The Union shall be involved in any
proceedings relating to employees injury. ARTICLE 17 - MEDICAL
EXAMINATIONS 17.1 Eachcandidateforpermanentemploymentshall,asa
conditionforemployment,berequiredtopassamedical examination and a
chest X-Ray to be arranged by and at the expense of the Company.
17.2 Subject to Clause 3 of this Article, the Company may with
reason(s)atanytime,requestapermanentemployeeto
subjecthimselftoamedicalexaminationconductedbya doctor selected by
the Company and the Company shall decide whether or not the medical
report justifies such action as the Company may decide to take
thereon. 19 17.3 AnemployeeexaminedunderClause2ofthisArticlemay
requestthatasecondexaminationbeconductedbyhis/her
doctorathis/herexpense.Ifthedoctorsdisagreeon
theirfindings,eithertheCompanyortheemployeemay request that the
matter be referred to a "medical referee" mutually agreed upon
between the Union and the Company.If
theemployeeisvindicatedheshallbereimbursedall expenses incurred.
17.4 Certain categories of employees as required, and as defined
inSchedule9,shallbesentbytheCompanyforperiodic
medicalexamination.Thecontentsofthemedical
examinationshallbedeterminedbytheCompanyandthe Union. 17.5 Each
candidate for temporary employment intended to exceed
aperiodofone(1)monthmayberequiredtoundergoa
medicalexaminationandchestX-Ray,ifsuchanemployee
cannotprovidesatisfactoryevidenceofhavinghada medical examination
and chest X-Ray within the twelve (12) month period immediately
preceding date of engagement. ARTICLE 18 - HOURS OF WORK (A)
[Applicable to workers employed prior to December 6, 2010] 18.1 Non
Shift Workers:- (a)The normal work week for non-shift workers shall
not exceed forty (40) hours - Monday to Friday.
(b)Thenormalworkdayshallnotexceedeight(8)hours between 7.00 a.m.
and 5.00 p.m. exclusive of one (1) hour for lunch. (c)Non-shift
workers shall have one (1) hour for lunch per day scheduled between
the hours of 11.00 a.m. and 1.30 p.m.
(d)Noemployeeshallberequiredtoworkformorethan(4) continuous hours
before proceeding on their lunch break. 20 (e)Every employee is
required to know his hours of work and his
scheduleandtoattendworkatthehoursspecifiedin accordance with the
Schedule.Employees are required to be
punctualandtobeattheirpostatthetimeintheir schedule. (f)Non-Shift
staff who work outside of the normal working hours
whenauthorisedbytheirHeadofDepartmentorhisduly
AuthorisedRepresentative,shallbepaidovertimein accordance with
Schedule 4.15. (g)The hours of duty as established above shall be
maintained at all times.Any changes in the hours of duty shall be
by mutual agreement.
(h)TheCompanyshallprovideadequatestafftoundertakethe day to day
operations of the Company during normal working hours and to avoid,
as far as possible, the working of hours outside of the hours
specified above. (i)Employees engaged in ancillary services may be
requested to work shift, subject to the exigencies of the service.
18.2 Shift Workers (a)The basic work week for shift workers, with
the exception of employees listed in Schedule 8, shall not exceed
forty (40) hours - five (5) days out of seven (7), Sunday to
Saturday, with a forty-five (45) minutes meal break per shift per
day. (b)The normal work day for shift workers, with the exception
of employees listed in Schedule 8, shall not exceed eight (8)
hours,SundaytoSaturday,inclusiveofforty-five(45) minutes meal break
per shift.However, the meal break for shiftsbetween thehours of
7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.,with
theexceptionofTelephoneOperators,shallbesixty(60) minutes per shift
per day. (c)ItisrecognisedthattheCompany'sbusinessisapublic
servicerequiringcontinuoustwenty-four(24)hoursdaily
operationsand,inordertocoverthis,itisagreedthat
hoursshallberosteredtoincludedaywork,nightwork, Sundays and Public
Holidays. 21 (d)The operational framework of the shift system and
the hours ofworkofshiftworkersshallbedeterminedbymutual agreement
between the Company and the Union.The hours of
variousshiftsshallbeputintooperationbytheCompany after notifying
the Union. (e)Weekly rosters shall be posted seven (7) days in
advance of the date of the first roster.
(f)Whenoperationalconditionssorequire,staffwhoareon
dutymayberequestedtoperformovertime.Staffwho
performsuchovertime,shallbepaidinaccordancewith Schedule 4.15.
(g)Hours worked in excess of a normal tour of duty in any day shall
be considered overtime and shall be subject to payment in
accordance with Schedule 4.15. (h)Mutual shift changes shall be
permitted to facilitate staff
providedthatnoadditionalcostsareincurredbythe
Company.Allrequestsformutualshiftchangesshallbe
submittedforty-eight(48)hoursinadvanceandmustbe approved by
properly authorised supervisory personnel of the Company.
(i)Eachemployeemustberosteredaclearcalendardayoff
withintheworkweekandabreakperiodofnotlessthan sixteen (16) hours
between shifts. (j)Shiftworkersshallnotberosteredtoworkmorethantwo
(2) nights in any seven (7) day period where practical. Telephone
Operators (k)ThenormalworkweekforTelephoneOperatorsshallnot exceed
thirty (30) hours per week, Sunday to Saturday. (l)The normal
working hours for Operators shall be in shifts of six (6) hours per
day excluding night shifts which shall not
exceedten(10)hourspershift.Theseshiftsortourof duties shall be put
into operation only after agreement with the Union. (m)Operators
shall not be called upon to perform night duties after five (5)
months of pregnancy. 22 ARTICLE 18 - HOURS OF WORK (B) [Applicable
to workers employed after December 6, 2010] 18.1 Non Shift
Workers:- (a)The normal work week for non-shift workers shall not
exceed forty (40) hours - Monday to Friday. (b)The normal work day
shall not exceed eight (8) hours between 7.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m.
exclusive of one (1) hour for lunch. (c)Non-shift workers shall
have one (1) hour for lunch per day scheduled between the hours of
11.00 a.m. and2.00 p.m.
(d)Noemployeeshallberequiredtoworkformorethan(4) continuous hours
before proceeding on their lunch break. (e)Every employee is
required to know his hours of work and his
scheduleandtoattendworkatthehoursspecifiedin accordance with the
Schedule.Employees are required to be
punctualandtobeattheirpostatthetimeintheir schedule. (f)Non-Shift
staff who work outside of the normal working hours
whenauthorisedbytheirHeadofDepartmentorhisduly
AuthorisedRepresentative,shallbepaidovertimein accordance with
Schedule 4.15. (g)The hours of duty as established above shall be
maintained atalltimes.Anychangesinthehoursofdutyshallbe determined
by the Company in consultation with the Union.
(h)TheCompanyshallprovideadequatestafftoundertakethe day to day
operations of the Company during normal working hours and to avoid,
as far as possible, the working of hours outside of the hours
specified above. (i)Employees engaged in ancillary services may be
requested to work shift, subject to the exigencies of the service.
23 18.2 Shift Workers (a)The basic work week for shift workers,
with the exception of employees listed in Schedule 8, shall not
exceed forty (40) hours - five (5) days out of seven (7), Sunday to
Saturday, with a forty-five (45) minute meal break per shift per
day. (b)The normal work day for shift workers, with the exception
of employees listed in Schedule 8, shall not exceed eight (8)
hours,SundaytoSaturday,inclusiveofforty-five(45) minutes meal break
per shift.However, the meal break for shifts between the hours of
7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.,shall be sixty (60) minutes per shift per
day. (c)ItisrecognisedthattheCompany'sbusinessisapublic
servicerequiringcontinuoustwenty-four(24)hoursdaily
operationsand,inordertocoverthis,itisagreedthat
hoursshallberosteredtoincludedaywork,nightwork, Sundays and Public
Holidays. (d)The operational framework of the shift system and the
hours of work of shift workers shall be determined bythe Company in
consultation with the Union.The hours of various shifts shall be
put into operation by the Company after notifying the Union.
(e)Weekly rosters shall be posted seven (7) days in advance of the
date of the first roster.
(f)Whenoperationalconditionssorequire,staffwhoareon
dutymayberequestedtoperformovertime.Staffwho
performsuchovertime,shallbepaidinaccordancewith Schedule 4.15.
(g)Hours worked in excess of a normal tour of duty in any day shall
be considered overtime and shall be subject to payment in
accordance with Schedule 4.15. (h)Mutual shift changes shall be
permitted to facilitate staff
providedthatnoadditionalcostsareincurredbythe
Company.Allrequestsformutualshiftchangesshallbe
submittedforty-eight(48)hoursinadvanceandmustbe approved by
properly authorised supervisory personnel of the Company. 24
(i)Eachemployeemustberosteredaclearcalendardayoff
withintheworkweekandabreakperiodofnotlessthan sixteen (16) hours
between shifts. (j)Shiftworkersshallnotberosteredtoworkmorethantwo
(2) nights in any seven (7) day period where practicable. Contact
Centre Operations (k)The normal work week for shift workers in the
Contact Centreshallnotexceedforty(40)hoursperweek,Sundayto
Saturday. (l)ThenormalworkinghoursforshiftworkersintheContact
Centreshallbeinshiftsofeight(8)hoursperday excluding night shifts
which shall not exceed ten (10) hours per shift.These shifts or
tours of duty shall be put into operation only after
consultationwith the Union.
(m)TelephoneOperatorsshallnotbecalledupontoperform night duties
after five (5) months of pregnancy. Customer Service Centre
Operations (n)ThebasicworkweekforshiftworkersintheCustomer Service
Centres shall not exceed forty (40) hours five (5) days out of six
(6), Monday to Saturday.
(o)ThenormalworkdayforshiftworkersintheCustomer
ServiceCentresshallnotexceedeight(8)hoursbetween
7.00a.m.and7.00p.m.,exclusiveofaone(1)hourmeal break per shift.
(p)ThefollowinghoursofworkshallapplytotheCustomer Service Centres
listed below: ParkStreet/BrianLaraPromenade/St.Augustine/Arima/DSM
Plaza/St. James Street/Library corner/Pt. Fortin/Tobago Monday to
Friday 7.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Saturdays 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. West
Mall/Trincity Mall Monday to Saturday9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. 25
(q)It is agreed that the Company may from time to time, roster
workers in the Customer Service Centres to work on Sundays
inordertosatisfycustomerdemandforitsproductsand services. On such
occasions, staff who are required to work
onSundaysshallbepaidovertimeinaccordancewith Schedule 4.15. (r)In
the event that it becomes necessary to roster workers in the
Customer Service Centres to work on Sundays, the Company shall
notify such workers at least one (1) week in advance. Integrated
Operations Services Group
(s)ThebasicworkweekforshiftworkersintheAccessPlant
Management,Installation&RepairsandServiceOperations
departmentsshallnotexceedforty(40)hoursfive(5) days out of seven
(7), Sunday to Saturday. Continuous shift operations
(t)WheretheoperationsoftheGrouparecarriedoutovera continuous period
of twenty-four (24) hours, the normal work
dayforHeavyLinesTechnicians,HeavyVehicleDrivers,
OutsidePlantAttendantsandLabourersshallnotexceed eight (8) hours
with a one (1) hour meal break per shift. (u)The following shift
arrangements shall apply to Heavy Lines Technicians, Heavy Vehicle
Drivers, Outside Plant Attendants and Labourers that are required
to perform continuous shift work: 7.30a.m. to 3.30p.m. 3.30p.m. to
11.30 p.m. 11.30 p.m. to 7.30a.m. Non Continuous shift operations
(v)ThenormalworkdayforLines&InstrumentTechnicians,
CableMaintenanceTechniciansandBroadbandTechnicians shall not exceed
eight (8) hours between 6.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m., with a one (1)
hour meal break per shift.*1
1 *The Company proposes to include Wiremen who are currently
assigned to the Technology Group. 26
(w)ThefollowingshiftarrangementsshallapplytoLines&
InstrumentTechnicians,CableMaintenanceTechnicians,and
BroadbandTechniciansthatarerequiredtoperformnon-continuous shift
work:* 6.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. 10.30a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
(x)Itisrecognizedthatinordertomeetoperational
requirements,theCompanymayrequirecertainjob
classificationstobechangedfromnonshifttocontinuous
andnon-continuousshiftwork.Anysuchchangesshallbe determined by the
Company in consultation with the Union. ARTICLE 19 - UNION SECURITY
19.1 The Company shall furnish to the Union on or before December
31 each year, a list of all employees within the designated
bargainingunitshowingname,employeenumber,work location, job title,
date of employment and wage or salary rates. 19.2
TheCompanyshallprovidetheUnionwithNoticeBoardson its premises for
the purpose of posting up material relating
totheUnion'saffairs,providedthattheUnionshallnot post
thereonanythingwhichisdefamatory.Copiesofsuch
noticesshallbeforwardedtotheSiteManagerandthe
IndustrialRelationsManageratthesametimeastheyare being posted on
the Notice Boards. 19.3 (a)The Company shall furnish the Union with
a copy of its RulesandRegulationsandanyamendmentstheretofrom
timetotimeasarenecessaryforthesafeand efficient conduct of its
operations. (b)SuchRulesandRegulationsandanyamendmentsthereto
shallbeimplementedonlyafteradvisingtheUnionat least fourteen (14)
days before planned implementation,
toaffordtheUniontimetomeetandtreatwiththe
Company,andshallnotbeinconflictwithany agreement subsisting between
the Company and the Union or the laws of Trinidad and Tobago. 27
19.4 Any identified official of the Union may enter the Company's
premisesduringworkinghourstoinvestigateemployee/s complaints and
work conditions provided that before entering prior notification is
made by the SecretaryGeneral of the Union or his designated
representative. Union Dues Deductions 19.5
(a)(i)TheCompanyagreestomakedeductionsofan
initialinitiationfeeandofmonthlyUnion membership dues only, from
the pay of any eligible employeeuponreceiptfromtheUnionofwritten
authorisationproperlyexecutedbytheemployee.Theonlyrecognisedformshallbethatentitled
"PayrollDeductionAuthorisationforUnionDues and Initiation Fees" as
mutually agreed upon. (ii)TheCompanyshallonorbeforethelastdayof the
current month forward amounts deducted to the
Secretary-GeneraloftheUnionorupondirection to his duly designated
representative. (b)TheCompanyshalldeductUnionduesfromemployees
proceedingonleaveofabsencewhenpaymentsaremade in advance. (c)The
amount of Union dues and the initiation fees to be
deductedinaccordancewiththeduesdeduction authorisation under Clause
5(a) herein, or any changes
thereof,shallbecertifiedtotheCompanybythe
SecretaryGeneraloftheUnionorhisdulyauthorised representative.
ARTICLE 20 - COMPOSITION OF CREWS 20.1 The composition of crews
shall be determined by the Company and will be dependent on the
number of employees required to
effectivelycarryouttheworkprogrammeassignedtoeach crew. 20.2
ASeniorTechnicianshallbeinchargeofanycrew comprising technicians
and shall be designated Foreman while
inchargeandshallbepaidanInChargeAllowancein accordance with
Schedule 4.12. 28 20.3 Employees other than Senior Technician whose
job function is inaccordancewith20.2aboveshallalsobedesignated
ForemanwhileinchargeandshallbepaidanInCharge Allowance in
accordance with Schedule 4.12. 20.4
Whentheworkprogrammetobeperformediswithinthe
capacityofaSeniorTechnicianandheisrequiredto
executeitalone,heshallbepaidanallowancein
accordancewithSchedule4.12duringtheperformanceof those duties.
ARTICLE 21 - PERSONNEL CHANGES (a)Newly Hired Employees The Company
agrees to furnish the Union, once each month not later than the
first week of the following month, a list of
and/orotherdocumentsdetailingthenames,classification and location
of newly hired employees. (b)Department/Inter Departmental Changes
The Company shall furnish the Union with copies of Personnel
Notification Forms. ARTICLE 22 - EMPLOYMENT AND PROMOTION POLICY
22.1 It is the policy of the Company, whenever possible, to fill
all positions by the promotion of existing workers. 22.2
Suitability shall be determined by:- (b)Proven ability, experience
and qualifications necessary to adequately perform the available
work in accordance with the Job Classification.
(b)SeniorityofgradewithintheparticularSectionor Deparment. 22.3
(a)TheCompanyshallpromoteanemployeewithoutfirst
advertisingthepositioninternallyiftheCompany considers that a
suitable employee is available within
theSectionorDepartmentandadvisetheUnion accordingly. 29 (b)If the
Company considers that a suitable worker is not available within
the Section or Department, the Company
shalladvertiseinternallyforthefillingofthe vacant position.
(c)Ifnosuitableapplicantisfoundfromamongexisting workers, the
Company shall then advertise the position
externally.TheUnionshallbenotifiedbeforethe Company advertises the
position externally. 22.4
Anemployeewhorefusesapromotionshallnotbedebarred
reconsiderationorre-applicationforanyfuturepromotion in a vacancy
that may occur. 22.5(a)Anemployeewhoisrequiredtoserveinavacant
positionofahighercategoryintheestablishment, shall be confirmed in
the position not later than three
(3)monthsfromthedateofhisfillingsuchvacant
post,providedthatwithinthatperiodheperforms
satisfactorilyonthejob.Ifhisperformanceis considered to be
unsatisfactory, he must be notified in writing of the reason(s) at
least seven (7) days before the end of his three (3) months' acting
period. (b)Confirmationofanemployeeinavacantpositionin
whichhehasbeenactingduringsuchperiodshallbe
retroactivetothedatewhenhewasappointedtoact therein. 22.6 Upon
employment, an employee shall provide such particulars to the
Company as are required by the law and by the Company for its
records.Any changes in such particulars shall be
notifiedtotheCompanyassoonastheyoccur,orwhen requested. ARTICLE 23
- TRAINING 23.1 ItshallbethepolicyoftheCompanytoprovidetraining
foremployeeseitheronoroffthejobwithaviewto improving their
efficiency and qualifying them for promotion to the highest
positions in the Company. 30
23.2(a)TheCompanyshallprovidemealsandreimburseany
additionaltransportcoststopermanentemployees
selectedforlocaltrainingawayfromtheirworkbase
forone(1)dayormore,withtheexceptionofnewly recruited trainees.
(b)The Company shall be required to make arrangements for
boardandlodgingandreimbursementofadditional transport costs, during
the period of trainingfor one
(1)dayormoreforpermanentemployeesselectedfor
localtraininginTrinidadfromTobagoorviceversa, and employees
attending residential courses. (c)The Company shall pay an
allowance of $28.00 per day to permanent employees selected for
local training for one dayormore,withtheexceptionofnewlyrecruited
trainees. 23.3 WhenemployeeswithintheBargainingUnitareselectedfor
specialtrainingbytheCompany,especiallyabroad,the Union shall be
given prior notification by the Company.
23.4Employeesselectedforoverseastrainingshallbeentitled
tosuchwarmclothingwherenecessaryandout-of-pocket
allowanceinaccordancewiththeForeignTravelPolicy.However,theUnionshallbenotifiedinadvanceofthe
arrangements made. 23.5
Anemployeemayberequiredtoperformworkofahigher classification than
his own without additional remuneration during the course of
receiving normal on-the-job training. 23.6 A joint Training
Committee, comprising Management and Union
shallbeestablishedtoassessthetrainingneedsof employees in the
context of the Company's operations and to
recommendappropriatetrainingprogrammesandcoursesto meet these
needs. ARTICLE 24 - VACATION LEAVE SCHEME 24.1
TheCompanyshalloperateaVacationLeaveSchemeona
voluntarybasis,forformerTEXTELemployeesonly.An employee who is a
member of the Scheme shall not have access to the Vacation Loan as
described in Article 25. 31 24.2
Employeesshallcontributethirty-sevendollars($37.00) through payroll
deductions and the Company shall contribute ninety dollars ($90.00)
respectively each month. 24.3
Anemployeeproceedingonnotlessthanseven(7)days Annual Vacation Leave
shall receive in one (1) lump sum, on or before the last working
day prior to the commencement of such Annual Vacation Leave, the
sum representing twelve (12) months joint contributions. 24.4 The
year will be deemed to start from the first contribution and each
anniversary thereof. ARTICLE 25 - VACATION LOAN
TheCompanyagreestoloan,uponrequest,toanypermanent
employeewithtwo(2)ormoreyears'service,excludingthose
employeeswhoaccesstheVacationLeaveSchemeasdefinedin Article 24, not
more than one (1) month's salary, interest free,
whenproceedingonAnnualVacationLeaveofnotlessthanhalf
(1/2)year'sentitlement.Thissumshallberepayablebynot
morethantwelve(12)consecutivemonthlyinstalments.Deductions however,
shall be made from the first month after the employee's holiday is
completed.At no time will more than one (1) vacation loan be
granted to an employee in any one (1) year. ARTICLE 26 - PENSION
FUND The Company shall maintain a Pension Plan for the benefit of
all employees.Any alteration in the terms of the Pension Fund shall
be by mutual agreement. ARTICLE 27 - HEALTH AND WELFARE The Company
shall maintain a Group Health Plan for the benefit of all
employees.Any alteration in the terms of the Group Health Plan or
the introduction of any new group Health Plan shall be by mutual
agreement. 32 ARTICLE 28 - EMPLOYEES' COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE
BENEFIT 28.1 Permanent employees who qualify for telephone relief,
shall receive four hundred (400) free local call units per month.
28.2 Employees who qualify for telephone relief shall be entitled
toSeventyDollars($70.00)foroverseascallspermonth. 28.3 The Company
will provide a Cellular Phone to permanent
employeesatcostprice,oneeverythree(3)years.The initial cost of
Activation and Programming will be absorbed by the Company. 28.4
Permanentemployeeswhoareentitledtothebenefitsin
(28.1and28.2)above,wholiveinanareawhichisnot
servicedbyexistinglandlinefacilities,shallinsteadbe
entitledtoreceiveasubsidyoffourhundreddollars ($400.00) once every
three (3) years for the purchase of a cellular phone which is sold
by TSTT.This subsidy may only be utilised in the purchase of a
cellular phone by means of a credit at the time of purchase. 28.5
Permanent employees who qualify for telephone relief as in
(28.4)shallalsoreceiveairtimetothevalueoffour
hundredcallunitsasin28.1andseventydollars($70.00) for overseas
calls. 28.6 Permanent employees shall be entitled to three free
vertical features(callwaiting,conferencecallingandcall
forwarding)andtwoclassservices(CallerI.D.andVoice mail). 28.7
Permanent employees shall be entitled to Internet service at 40%
discount up to one hundred (100) hours. ARTICLE 29 - PAY DAY Pay
Day shall normally be the fifth banking day prior to the last
working day of the current month. 33 ARTICLE 30 - PAY SLIP
(a)Salaries Atorbeforethetimewhenthepaymentofwagesorsalary takes
place, each employee shall receive a monthly pay slip
fromtheCompanyshowinggrossearningsbrokendowninto
basicsalaryplusitemisedandotherdeductionssuchas PAYE, and finally,
net salary payment. (b)Subsistence
Atthetimewhenthepaymentofsubsistenceandovertime
takesplace,eachemployeeshallreceiveastatementfrom
theCompanyshowinggrossandnetsubsistenceandovertime payments.
ARTICLE 31 - PAYMENT OF SUBSISTENCE AND OVERTIME
TheCompanyshallnormallypaysubsistenceallowancesand overtime on the
second Friday after pay day of each month. ARTICLE 32 - UNFAIR
DISTRIBUTION OF LABOUR
TheCompanyandtheUnionagreethatthereshallbenounfair distribution of
labour. ARTICLE 33 - SEXUAL HARASSMENT
PartiestotheAgreementshalladherestrictlytothedefined
PolicyenshrinedintheHumanResourcesPoliciesandProcedures Manual.
ARTICLE 34 - EXECUTIVE FORUM An Executive Forum, comprising
Management and Union, shall be set up during the life of this
Agreement. 34 ARTICLE 35 - HOUSING SCHEME
TheCompanyshallmaintainaHousingSchemeforthebenefitof employees.Any
alteration in the terms of the Housing Scheme or
theintroductionofanynewHousingSchemeshallbebymutual agreement.
ARTICLE 36 - SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME The Company shall maintain a
Scholarship Scheme for the benefit
ofthechildrenofemployeesinthisBargainingUnit.Any
alterationinthetermsoftheScholarshipSchemeorthe
introductionofanynewScholarshipSchemeshallbebymutual agreement.
ARTICLE 37 - COPIES OF AGREEMENT The Company shall on or before six
(6) months after the signing
oftheCollectiveAgreement,provideeachpermanentemployee
withintheBargainingUnitwithacopyoftheCollective
Agreementprintedandboundinaconvenientsizebookletand
shallprovidetheUnionwithareasonablenumberofcopieson request.
ARTICLE 38 - COMPUTER LOAN
TobeadministeredinaccordancewiththeCompanyspolicyon Computer Loan.
ARTICLE 39 - SAVINGS PLAN A sum of Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000)
dollars, which represents
seedmoney,willbecreditedtoeachemployeeonthepermanent establishment
as at December 31, 2003 for the establishment of a Savings
Plan.This sum will be paid into an escrow account until
suchtimetheCompanyandtheUniondevelopruleswhichwill govern the Plan
35 ARTICLE 40 - OFF SHORE OPERATIONS 40.1 Group Personal
Accident/Cable Ship Insurance The Company shall provide Personal
Accident Insurance coverage in
thesumofThreeHundredThousandDollars(TT$300,000.00)for employees who
perform their duties on Cable Ships.
SuchInsuranceshallalsocoveremployeeswhilsttheyarein
transittoandfromaCableshipwhetherbylaunchorby helicopter. (i)Cable
Ship Allowance: AnAllowanceofelevenpercent(11%)ofbasicmonthly
salary, on a pro-rated basis, shall be paid to an employee who
performs his duties offshore on a Cable Ship. (ii) Meals:
MealsshallbeprovidedasperexistingCollective Agreement.
(iii)Out-of-Pocket Allowance: An Out-of-Pocket Allowance of
US$30.00 per day shall be paid to an employee who performs his
duties on a Cable Ship. (iv) Extra Duty: The normal extra duty
allowance shall apply.However, once
itisdeterminedthatthedutyperformedwascontinuous,
extendingfromonedayintothenextdayandthroughwhat should be a normal
duty, the triple time application shall continue into that normal
duty. (v)Recuperation Leave: An employee who performs his duties at
sea on a Cable Ship for twenty-four hours or more shall be granted
one (1) day-offforeachdayspentatseauponcompletionofthe operation.
40.2 GroupPersonalAccidentInsurance/SeaRigs,Marine Platforms, Ships
And Off The Main Land 36
TheCompanyshallalsoprovidePersonalAccidentInsurance
coverageinthesumofThreeHundredThousandDollars
(TT$300,000.00)foremployeeswhoperformtheirdutiesonSea Rigs, Marine
Platforms, Ships and off the Main land of Trinidad and Tobago (e.g.
Monos, Gasparee Island etc.).
SuchInsuranceshallalsocoveremployeeswhilsttheyarein transit to and
from the various work locations whether by launch or by helicopter.
(i)Offshore Allowance:
Anallowanceofeleven(11%)ofbasicmonthlysalaryona pro-rated basis,
shall be paid to an employee who performs his duties offshore on a
Sea Rig, Ship or Marine Platform. However, where an employee is
required to work off the Main
LandofTrinidadandTobago(e.g.Monos,GaspareeIsland etc.) an allowance
of six (6%) of basic monthly salary on a pro-rated basis, shall be
paid. It is agreed the Offshore Allowance rates shall be computed
as follows: Working on Sea Rig, Ship or Marine Platform 11% (Salary
x 8) 173* for 40 effective hours 11% (Salary x 7) 151* for 35
effective hours Working Off Main Land 6% (Salary x 8) 173* for 40
effective hours 6% (Salary x 7) 151* for 35 effective hours
*average monthly hours worked (ii) All other relevant provisions of
the Collective Agreement will apply. 40.3Offshore Training 37
(i)Priortoanemployeebeingdispatchedtoworkoffshore,
theCompanyshallensurethatheistrainedinthe
appropriateSafety,HealthandEnvironmentalprocedures
thatarerequiredforthesafeperformanceofhisduties in the offshore
environment. (ii) Wheretheoffshoreenvironmentinvolvestheemployee
performing his duties on a Sea Rig or a Marine Platform,
theCompanyshallprovideandtheemployeeshallusethe following safety
equipment and protective clothing. Hard Hat (ANSI standard)
Earmuff/plugs Long sleeved Fire Rated Coveralls 8 steel tip safety
boots Gloves (iii) Wheretheoffshoreenvironmentinvolvestheemployee
performing his duties off the Main Land of Trinidad and
Tobago(e.g.Monos,GaspareeIslandetc.),theCompany
shallprovideandtheemployeeshallusethefollowing safety equipment and
protective clothing. Life Jacket Hard HatSafety Boots Safety
Glasses ARTICLE 41 - TOWER MAINTENANCE/INSTALLATION Company and
Union to meet to discuss the above Article. ARTICLE 42 - PERIOD OF
AGREEMENT (i)Thedurationofthecollectiveagreementshallbefrom January
1, 2003 to December 31, 2007. Any time after May 31,
2007eitherpartymaygivetheotherthree(3)months'
noticeinwritingofitsdesiretoreviseapartorthe whole of this
Collective Agreement.
Suchnoticehavingbeengiven,ameetingofbothparties
shallbeconvenedwithinfourteen(14)daystogive 38 authorized
representatives of each party the opportunity for discussion. (iiIf
in the event a new Collective Agreement is not negotiated
beforetheexpirationoftheperiodin(i)above,the existing Collective
Agreement shall remain in force until a new Collective Agreement is
arrived at. SCHEDULE 1 - TERMS AND CONDITIONS IN RESPECT OF
RETRENCHMENT ItisherebyagreedbetweentheUnionandtheCompanythatthe
followingconditionsshallapplyinrespectofpermanent
employeesretrenchedbytheCompany.Itbeingunderstoodthat such
retrenchment shall be done on a last in first out basis and that
the employee be given at least forty-five (45) days' notice of
retrenchment or payment in lieu of.
1.Theretrenchedemployeeshallreceive,inadditiontohis pay to the date
of retrenchment, such payments due to him in lieu of annual
vacation leave and other benefits in lieu of notice.
2.Theretrenchedemployeeshallreceivethesumofnotless
thantwo(2)months'salaryforeachcompletedyearof service and the
proportional part thereof for an incomplete year of service.
3.(a)The Company undertakes if and when the time comes for
theCompanytotakeonstaffagaintoofferre-employmentinorderofmeritandseniorityto
retrenchedemployeesinpreferencetonewapplicants.Suchoffertobemadetotheretrenchedemployeeand
the Union notified accordingly.
(b)Ifanyretrenchedemployeeisre-employedwithintwo (2) years of his
retrenchment under the terms of 3(a)
above,hispastserviceshallbeaggregatedwithhis new service for
purposes of leave entitlements, and any
benefitsarrivedatthroughUnionContract negotiations, other than
severance benefits.
4.Iffollowingretrenchmentanyworkariseswhichcouldin
normalcircumstancesbeputouttocontract,theCompany
undertakesfirsttooffersuchcontractworkona 39
competitivebasistotheretrenchedworker,ifheso qualifies.The Union to
be notified accordingly.
5.Arecalledemployeeshallbeentitledtoreturntoan
availablejobofalikepay,statusandabilitytohis
previousjob.Shouldsuchajobnotbeavailable,the
Companymay,atitsdiscretion,offerajoboflowerpay status to the
retrenched employee. SCHEDULE2 - GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE 1(a)
Fortheavoidanceandsettlementofdisputesarisingover
termsandconditionsofemployment,itisagreedthatthe
Unionshallbethesolerepresentativeoftheemployees
withinthebargainingunitforpresentingcomplaintsto Management. (b)The
Union shall have one hundred and eighty (180) days from
thedateoftheincidentgivingrisetothecomplaintor grievance.
(c)Nothingshallprecludeanaggrievedworkerfromdiscussing his
grievance with his immediate supervisor.
2.ThefollowingstagesshallbeutilizedbytheUnionto present grievances
or complaints to the Company:
Stage1-AUnionRepresentativeshallinthefirst instance discuss the
matter with the immediate supervisor. Stage 2- If a satisfactory
solution is not arrived at, the local branch of the Union to which
the employee or employees
belong,may,withinten(10)calendardays,requesta meeting with the next
appropriate level of Management.The meeting shall be convened
within fourteen (14) calendar days
thereof.Atthismeeting,notmorethaneight(8)Union representatives may
be present to put forward the grievance or complaint.
ThedecisionoftheCompany'srepresentative/sshallbe confirmed in
writing to the local Branch of the Union within five (5) days of
hearing. Stage3-Ifthematterisstillnotsatisfactorily
resolved,theExecutiveBoardoftheUnionmay,within fourteen (14) days
of receipt from the Branch, of the letter
fromtheCompanycommunicatingthepreviousdecision, 40
requestameetingwiththeCompanytodiscussthematter further.The meeting
shall be convened within fourteen (14)
calendardaysthereof.ThefinaldecisionoftheCompany shall be confirmed
in writing to the Secretary General.
Stage4-ShouldasettlementnotbereachedatStage3,
eitherpartytothisAgreement,orboth,shallhavethe
righttorefersuchmattertotheMinisterofLabourfor conciliation.
3.Procedures for Settlement of Differences Any differences of
opinion between the Company and the Union
arisingoutoftheinterpretation,application,
administrationand/orallegedviolationofthisCollective Agreement, may
be discussed, in the first instance, between
UnionrepresentativesandtheManagement.Failinga
settlementofthematter,eitherpartymayreferthesaid matter to the
Ministry of Labour or the Industrial Court. SCHEDULE 3 - LEAVES OF
ABSENCE A.Union Leave 1.Leave for Full Time Service in the Union
(a)An employee's election or appointment to accept a
full-timepositionwiththeUnionshallbeconsideredgood
andsufficientreasonforobtainingleaveofabsence
withoutpayuponwrittenrequestfromtheSecretary
GeneraloftheUniontotheIndustrialRelations
Manager.Itbeingunderstoodthatthenumberof
employeesatanyonetimetobegrantedleaveof absence without pay to
accept such full time positions with the Union shall be mutually
agreed upon and that suchleavesofabsenceshallberestrictedto
conducting of Union Business for the particular period. (b)At the
end of such leave granted to an employee to take
upafulltimeUnionposition,theemployeeshallbe entitled, upon
resumption of duty, to: (i)All seniorities and wages or salary rate
computed as if he had not been absent from the Company; 41 (ii)
return to his former position.In the event that
hisformerpositionhasbeenaffectedbythe
operationofSchedule1,heshallbeentitledto exercise his rights under
the options provided in Schedule 1. 2.Leave for Trade Union
Courses, Seminars and Conferences
(a)DulyelectedofficersorrepresentativesoftheUnion
willbegrantedleaveofabsencewithpay,providing such leave of absence
does not exceed thirty (30) days
inanyone(1)calendaryear,toattendTradeUnion Courses, Seminars and
Conferences.However, the number of employees to be released and the
frequency of such leave,willbesubjecttotheexigenciesofthe
service,andshallbemutuallyagreedbetweenthe Company and the Union.
(b)For the purpose of attending Union Educational Schools
andConventionslocally,LeaveofAbsencewithpay shall be granted with
the following limitation:-
(i)Theperiodofsuchleavesofabsenceshallnot
exceedone(1)weekinanycalendaryear.However,subjecttotheexigenciesofthe
CompanysservicetheCompanyshallconsiderany application from the
Union for one-half the number ofemployeesstipulatedat(ii)belowtobe
releasedfornotmorethantwo(2)weeksinany
calendaryearbymutualagreementbetweenthe Company and the Union. (ii)
The number of employees to be released at the same
timeshallnotexceedtwenty-five(25)forthe Unions Educational Schools
and seventeen (17) for the Unions Convention. (iii) Union Leave of
Absence to attend Conventions shall
notrunconcurrentlywiththeleavesofabsences to attend the Unions
local educational schools.
3.ForthepurposeofattendingEducationalClassesand
Conferencesabroadleavesofabsenceshallbegrantedwith pay as follows:
42 (a)Onlythoseemployeeswhoaredulyselected representatives of the
Union shall be eligible for this leave of absence.
(b)Thenumberofemployeestobereleasedandthe
frequencyofsuchleaveshallbemutuallyagreed between the Company and
the Union. 4.Notice RequestsforUnionleavesofabsenceshallbemade
reasonablyinadvancesothattheCompanymaymake
arrangementswherenecessaryforreplacementofthe employees taking such
leave.Reasonable notice shall mean: (a)at least three (3) working
days' notice for any leave of absence for two (2) to seven (7)
consecutive days; (b)at least five (5) working days' notice for any
leave of absence over seven (7) days. 5.Time Off for Authorised
Union Representatives (a)Time Off With Pay -
(i)Saveandexceptinexceptionalcircumstancesor emergency situations,
the Company, at the request
oftheSecretaryGeneralorhisdulyauthorised
representative,shallexcuseaUnion
representativewhowishestotaketimeofffrom
hisassignedCompanydutiesonanygivendayto
performUniondutiesconcerningthisCompany.Such excused absence shall
apply to employees who arerequiredtoparticipateingeneral
negotiations or initiate discussions on grievances
ortreatwithanymatterbetweentheCompanyand the Union. (ii) The
Company shall also grant time off to employees
forthepurposeofattendingUnionConventions,
GeneralCouncil,ExecutiveorCommitteemeetings.Such time off shall be
limited to the duration of thesemeetingsandthenumberofemployees
releasedshallbesubjecttotheUnion's 43
constitutionalrequirementsandtheexigenciesof the Company's service
at the time. (iii) Theexcusedabsenceswhicharedescribedabove,
shallbeheldtoareasonableperiodoftime, mutually agreed upon, and
shall be conditioned by
thegeographicaland/ortransportationsituation as it relates to the
location of the employees. (b)Time Off Without Pay -
TheCompanyshallgranttimeofftoUnionofficials
employedwiththeCompanytoengageinUnionbusiness
notdirectlyrelatedtotheCompany.Thenumberof
employeestobereleasedandthefrequencyofsuch leave shall be subject
to the exigencies of the service
andshallbemutuallyagreedbetweentheCompanyand the Union. B.Annual
Vacation Leave 1.Duration/Qualification
(a)Afterthecompletionofoneyear'sservice,employees
shallbeentitledtoannualvacationleavein accordance with the
following table:- After1 year's service - 10 working days. After2
years' service - 15 working days. After5 years' service - 22
working days. After 10 years' service - 33 working days. Over20
years' service - 40 working days. (b)An employee may, if he so
desires, take all or part of the leave due to him in any one year.
2.Accumulation of Leave
Aworkershallnotbepermittedtoaccumulateannual vacation leave beyond
one (1) years entitlement. 3.Leave Time
(a)Thetimeforgrantingvacationleaveshallnotbe restricted to any
particular time of year. 44 Vacation leave shall be granted on a
first apply first approvebasis.Shouldtwoormoreemployeesrequest
vacationleaveatthesametime,selectionshallbe
determinedbyseniorityofgradeandseniorityin grade.Should all
applicants be of equal grade, their seniority of service shall be
the determining factor on a rotational basis.
(b)InordertoassisttheCompanyinplanningand scheduling its manpower
resources, all employees shall indicate to their immediate
Supervisor by 15th November eachyear,thetimeandperiodofleavetheyare
desirous of taking in the following year.Under normal
circumstancesannualvacationleaveshouldnotbe granted more than once
in any calendar year.However,
anyfurtherrequestforleaveshallbeconsideredin keeping with the
exigencies of the service.
(c)Wherenonotificationisgiven,ortheemployeeis
unabletoproceedonleaveasplanned,theCompany
shallbesoinformednotlaterthansix(6)weeks before the proposed
commencement of such leave. (d)Where the employees leave
notification request cannot be approved by the Company he shall be
so informed no laterthansix(6)weeksbeforetheproposed commencement
of such leave. 4.Deferment by Company (i)
Anemployeewho,owingtotheexigenciesofthe service, is unable to
obtain annual vacation leave for
aperiodofoneyear,mayopttoreceivepaymentin lieu of such leave at his
current rate of salary. (ii)
Anemployeewho,owingtotheexigenciesofthe service, is unable to
obtain annual vacation leave for a period of two consecutive years,
may opt to receive paymentinlieuofsuchleaveatone-and-onehalf(1 1/2)
times his current rate of pay. (iii) Where, however, a workers
Annual Leave is deferred by theCompany,themaximumleavewhichshallbe
accumulatedshallbeextendedbytheamountaccrued during the period of
deferment, such accumulated leave
tobepaidattherateforwhichperiodtheleaveis taken and not for the
period at which it was due.It 45
istheCompanysresponsibilitytoinformanemployee
ofhisleaveaccumulationandtoensurethatmutual arrangements are made
for him to proceed on leave.The
Companysfailuretonotifytheemployeeshallnot
debarhimaccumulatingleaveoverone(1)years entitlement.
5.Cancellation/Recall
(a)Onlyinexceptionalcircumstancesshallanemployee's
approvedleavebecancelled,oranemployeewhohas
proceededonvacationberecalledtodutybeforethe
completionofhisvacationleave.Shouldthelatter occur, the employee
shall have the option of receiving
paymentatone-and-one-half(11/2)timeshisnormal
rateofpay,or,heresumeshisvacationleave following his recall to
duty, or, he defers the leave to a mutually convenient time.
(b)Anyexpensesincurredbyanemployeewhicharenot recoverable and which
are directly attributable to his
recallfromleaveorthedefermentofhisapproved
leave,shallbereimbursedbytheCompanyupon presentation of the
relative documentary evidence. 6.Illness During Leave
Ifanemployeebecomesillwhileonannualvacationleave
andsuchillnessismedicallycertifiedbyanapproved
medicalpractitioner,includingGovernmentemployedmedical
officers,hisvacationleaveshallbesuspendedforthe period of medically
certified sick leave.At the end of the sick leave period, he shall
report to the Company whereupon arrangements shall be made to
enable him either to continue
onvacationleaveortohaveitdeferredtoamutually convenient time.
7.Additional Leave Where an employee has utilized all of his
entitlement, the Companyshall,inspecialcases,consideranyapplication
for additional leave, it however, being understood that such
additional leave shall be granted without pay. 46 C.Sick Leave
1.(a)Permanent employees shall be eligible to sick leave on the
following basis:- 1 - 7 years' service - 14 working days' full pay
After 7 years' service - 21 working days' full pay (b)Sick Leave
for more than two (2) consecutive days shall
begrantedonlyontheproductionofamedical certificate.
(c)Onsubmissionofamedicalcertificateafterthelast
dayoffullpaysickleave,theemployeeshallbegin receiving seventy-five
percent(75%) of salary.
(d)Whereanemployeeexceedshissickleaveeligibility
(inaccordancewith1(a)above)theCompanyshall approve extended sick
leave up to a maximum of six (6) months for that employee on the
following basis:- (i)TheCompanyreservestherighttohavethe employees
illness certified by a District Medical Officer. (ii)
Theillnessmayresultintheemployeebeing
institutionalized.However,theemployeemayalso be an outpatient of an
institution. (iii)The salary applicable during illness shall be the
difference between the employees full pay and any
paymenttowhichtheemployeeisentitledunder
theNationalInsuranceScheme.Further,the
Companyagreestopaytheemployeehissalary
duringtheperiodofextendedsickleave,
includingthatpartofhissalarywhichis
equivalenttoanyentitlementundertheN.I.S.
Scheme.Moreoverthatpartofsalaryshallbe considered as an advance to
the employee. However, the Company shall be refunded a sum
equivalent to thesumadvancedtotheemployeeuponthe satisfaction of
his claim by the N.I.B. (iv) IftheCompanyhasnotbeenreimbursedafter
ninety (90) days from the date on which the claim
wassubmittedtotheN.I.B.,unlessthereare 47
mitigatingcircumstances,theCompanywillthen
deductfromtheemployeessalarythemonies advanced after having
discussed and agreed to the mode of payment with the affected
employee. (e)Iftheillnesscontinuesbeyondsixmonths,the
employeeshallreceivetheLongTermDisability(LTD)
benefit,equivalenttoseventy-fivepercent(75%)of salary, for a
maximum duration of five (5) years. The
employeeshallberequiredtohavehisincapacity
medicallycertifiedinaccordancewiththeprovisions of the Companys
Long Term Disability Plan. (f)The Long Term Disability benefit
shall cease if (i) the employee dies;or (ii)
ismedicallycertifiedasbeingfit,toresume duty; or (iii) attains the
age of sixty (60) years.
(g)Iftheemployeereachestheageofsixty(60)years during the five (5)
year disability period, or is still incapacitated at the end of the
five (5) year period, he shall be retired on medical grounds.
(h)Theemployeeshouldsupplementhislossofearnings
duringprotractedillnessbyclaimingthesickness
and/orinvaliditybenefitsprovidedbytheNational Insurance Scheme.
2.(a)Sick leave shall be on the following basis annually for all
non-permanent employees: (i)After6months'continuousservice-7working
days (full pay) (ii) After 1 year continuous service - 14 working
days (full pay) (b)Sick leave for more than two (2) consecutive
days shall begrantedonlyontheproductionofamedical certificate.
3.Allmedicallycertifiedsickleaveshallbebyapproved practitioners who
are registered to practice in Trinidad and Tobago including
government employed medical officers.48 4.During a period of
absence by an employee from the country,
certifiedsickleaveshallbeacceptedfromaregistered foreign
practitioner through the due process. D.Maternity Leave
(a)Apermanentfemaleemployee,afterthecompletionof
one(1)year'sservicewiththeCompanyshallbe entitled to maternity
benefits on the following basis:
(i)Atleastthree(3)monthspriortoconfinement, she shall submit a
medical certificate stating the probable delivery date of the
child. (ii) Theemployeemaytakeherleaveforty-five(45) days prior to
the delivery date as stated on the
medicalcertificateandshallnotreturntowork
soonerthanforty-five(45)daysafterthebirth of her child.
Sheshallberequiredtoobtainamedical certificate from her doctor
declaring her fit for work before resuming duty. (iii)
Further,theCompanyagreestopaytheemployee
hersalaryduringtheperiodofmaternityleave,
includingthatpartofhersalarywhichis
equivalenttoanyentitlementundertheN.I.S.
Scheme.Moreoverthatpartofsalaryshallbe considered as an advance to
the employee. However, the Company shall be refunded a sum
equivalent to thesumadvancedtotheemployeeuponthe satisfaction of
her claim by the N.I.B.
(iv) IftheCompanyhasnotbeenreimbursedafter ninety (90) days from
the date on which the claim wassubmittedtotheN.I.B.,unlessthereare
mitigatingcircumstances,theCompanywillthen
deductfromtheemployeessalarythemonies advanced, after having
discussed and agreed to the mode of payment with the affected
employee. 49 (v)The employee, if she so desires, may take all or
partofherannualvacationleaveentitlement,
immediatelybeforeorimmediatelyafterher
maternityleaveentitlement,providedthatshe
appliesforhervacationleaveatthesametime she has made application
for her maternity leave.
(b)Nothinghereinshallprecludeanemployeeonthe
permanentestablishment,havingcompletednine(9)
months'continuousservicewiththeCompany,toapply for and be granted
maternity leave without pay. E.Paternity Leave
Apermanentmaleemployeeshallbeeligibleforpaternity leave of three
(3) working days in respect of each pregnancy of his spouse.Such
leave shall be applied for in advance and granted upon request
under the following conditions: 1.That a medical certificate
stating an expected date of delivery is furnished. 2.That the term
spouse used shall, for the purpose of this provision include
common-law relationship.
3.Anyrequestforadditionalleaveshallbegrantedat the discretion of
Management. 4.If an employee qualifies for Paternity Leave whilst
he isonvacationleave,hisvacationleaveshallbe
suspendedfortheperiodofthePaternityLeave.At
theendofPaternityLeaveheshallcontinueonhis vacation leave. F.Casual
Leave 1. (a)After one (1) year's continuous service -7 working days
(b)From five (5) years and over -14 working days 2.Except in
special circumstances, casual leave shall not be granted for a
period exceeding three (3) days at any
onetime.However,inspecialcircumstances,the
CompanyshallconsiderapplicationsforCasualLeave not exceeding five
(5) days at any one time. 50 G.Bereavement Leave
(i)Apermanentworkershallbegrantedleaveofabsence with pay for the
purpose of making funeral arrangements and/or attending the funeral
in the case of death of a memberoftheimmediatefamilyoramemberofthe
household who is not a member of the immediate family. (ii) The
immediate family shall include: Father, Mother, Spouse, Child,
Brother or Sister. (iii) Forthepurposeoftheprovision,ahouseholdisa
collectivebodyofpersonslivinginonehouseand
underoneheadormanagementexcludinghousehold employees. (iv)Three (3)
days shall be granted to:
(a)workersinTrinidadwhenthefuneraltakesplace in Trinidad;
(b)workers in Tobago when the funeral takes place in Tobago;
(v)Five (5) days shall be granted to:
(a)workersinTrinidadwhenthefuneraltakesplace in Tobago; (b)workers
in Tobago when thefuneral takes place in Trinidad;
(c)workersinTrinidadandTobagowhenthefuneral takes place outside of
Trinidad and Tobago. (vi) Leave in excess of that provided above
may be granted if, on the applications of workers, the Company, in
its sole discretion, rules that the circumstances are such as to
warrant such leave.
(vii)Ifanemployeequalifiesforbereavementleavewhilst he is on
vacation leave, his vacation leave shall be suspended for the
period of bereavement leave.At the end of the bereavement leave he
shall continue on his vacation leave. 51 (viii) The worker shall
furnish the Company with satisfactory
evidencetojustifytheclaimforbereavementleave when requested by the
Company. H.Special Leave
(a)WhereappropriatenoticeisgivenbyaNational Sporting or Cultural
body, an employee who is selected to represent Trinidad and Tobago
in any major sporting
orculturalactivityshallbegrantedleavewithpay.MembersofVolunteerDefenceForcecalledtoperform
National Service shall also be granted leave. It is understood that
such leave shall not be deducted from such an employee's normal
leave entitlement. (b)Otherthan(a)above,theCompanyshall,inspecial
casesconsideranapplicationfromanemployeefor leave without pay.It
is, however, understood that the
grantingofsuchleaveshallbesubjecttothe exigencies of the Company's
service. I.Study Leave
(a)TheCompanyagreestoconsideranyrequestforthe
releaseofemployeeswiththree(3)yearsormore
serviceforstudyleavewithorwithoutpay,fora period not exceeding
three (3) years. (b)Intheeventofnecessity,afurtherone(1)year
extension may be granted if the application for same is
supportedbyawrittenrecommendationfromthe
educationalinstitutionatwhichthestudentis enrolled. J.Post Course
Leave ImmediatelyonhisreturntoTrinidadandTobagofroma
Companysponsoredcourseabroad,anemployeeshallbe entitled to Post
Course Leave on the following basis:- (i)1-3 months-two (2) working
days (ii)3-6 months-four (4) working days (iii)Over 6
months-one(1)workingdayforeach monthoncourseuptoa maximum of twelve
(12) working days 52 SCHEDULE 4 - ALLOWANCES 1.Lunch (i)An employee
who is despatched to a work area and who, at the time of his
specified lunch hour, is unable to return to his work base in view
of the continuance of such works, shall be paid a Lunch Allowance
of thirty-seven dollars ($37.00). (ii)
WorkAreasreferredtoaboveshallbemutuallyagreed upon by the Company
and the Union. (iii)Lunch Allowance shall be paid in respect of an
employee whoisauthorisedtoworkthroughhisnormallunch period. (iv)
Wheneveranemployeeworksthroughhisnormallunch
period,heshallbepermittedtoceaseworkone(1) hour before the normal
scheduled close of work.In the event that the employee continues to
work to the close oftheworkperiodonthatday,heshallbepaidfor that
hour at the relevant overtime rate. 2.Meal
Amealallowanceoftwenty-ninedollars($29.00)shallbe paid to employees
on the following basis: (i)As a breakfast allowance when authorised
to report for work at least one (1) hour before his normal starting
time as rostered. (ii) Whenauthorisedtocontinueworkingafternormal
stopping time: 1.On completion of two (2) hours; 2.On completion of
every four (4) hours thereafter. (iii)
Whencalledbackaftercompletionofhisnormalhours of work: 1.On
completion of four (4) hours; 2.On completion of every four (4)
hours thereafter. 53 (iv) Shouldtheemployeeworklessthantwo(2)hours'
overtime, the first two (2) hour period shall be deemed
aguaranteedperiodforthepurposeofmealallowance only. 3.Disturbance
(a)Anemployeewhoispermanentlytransferredfromone District to another
shall be entitled to a Disturbance Allowance of two thousand two
hundred and sixty dollars ($2,260.00).
(b)Anemployeewhoispermanentlytransferredfrom Trinidad to Tobago or
vice versa, shall be entitled to
aDisturbanceAllowanceofthreethousandonehundred and eight dollars
($3,108.00). (c)TheCompanyshallfurnishassistanceinmovingtothe
extent of two (2) truck loads of household furnishings to employees
on permanent transfer.Upon submission to
theCompanyofalistofrequirementspertainingto
suchmovement,theCompanyshallendeavourtoassist the employee as far
as possible. (d)Anemployeewhoispermanentlytransferredfromone
workbasetoanotherasaresultofwhichheincurs
additionaltravellingexpenses,shallbeentitledto half the disturbance
allowance in (a) above.
(e)Anemployeewhoispermanentlytransferredfromone
areatoanother,asdefinedhereunder,shallbe
entitledtohalfthedisturbanceallowancein(a) above.The areas are :-
District I PortofSpaintoDiegoMartinandbeyondandvice versa.
Laventille to West Exchange and beyond and vice versa. District II
San Juan Boundary Road Macoya St. Augustine Mausica or Piarco 54
Arima Chaguanas Morne Bleu Matura District III San
Fernando/Couva/Princess Town/ Claxton Bay/Mayaro Siparia/Point
Fortin (f)Ifhowever,atransferisattheemployee'srequest, these
entitlements shall not be applicable. (g)In the event that an
employee changes his residence so
astobenearerthenewworkbasetowhichheis
transferred,heshallbeentitledtotwo(2)days'
leavewithpaytoenablehimtomovetohisnew address.In the case of an
employee transferred from Trinidad to Tobago or vice versa, he
shall be entitled to four (4) days' leave with pay for this
purpose. 4.Sleeping Out and Out of Pocket
EmployeesbasedinTrinidadwhoarerequiredtoundertake duties, or
undergo training in Tobago, and vice versa,for an overnight stay of
one (1) night or more, shall have the option of either:
(a)hotelaccommodationincludingmealsprovidedbythe
Companywithanout-of-pocketexpensespaymentof forty-one dollars
($41.00) per day;Or (b)the payment of a daily flat sum of:
(i)Trinidad - two hundred and six dollars ($206.00) (ii)
Tobago-twohundredandeighteendollars ($218.00) 5.Height (i)
Whereanemployeeisrequiredtoclimbtowersat heights beyond thirty (30)
feet from base, an allowance
offifty-ninedollars($59.00)shallbepaid.An allowance of ninety-four
dollars ($94.00) shall be paid
wheneverworkprogressesatsuchheightsbeyondthree 55 (3) continuous
hours.These provisions shall not apply
toemployeeswhosespecificjobfunctionsentail climbing towers.
(ii) This allowance will also be paid where the employee is
required to work at exposed heights in buildings. 6.Jack Hammer
Employees required to use a Jack Hammer during the course of
theirdutiesshallbepaidanallowanceofelevendollars
($11.00)perhourbutnotlessthanaminimumoftwenty-three dollars
($23.00) per day. 7.Driving (a)Employees other than drivers,
chauffeurs and persons in
supervisorypositions,whoareauthorisedtodrive during the course of
their normal duties, shall be paid a driving allowance as follows:-
Heavy duty - $447.00 per month Light duty - $423.00 per month
ThisAllowanceshallnotbeapplicableduringperiods of annual leave or
sick leave. (b)AnemployeerequiredtooperatetheAuxiliaryvehicle shall
be paid an allowance of six dollars ($6.00) per
hour,butnotlessthantwenty-threedollars($23.00) per day.
(c)AnyemployeerequiredtooperateTrailers,Forklifts,
WinchesorWinchTrucks,towotherattachmentsor transport poles of 20
feet and over, shall be paid an allowance of six dollars ($6.00)
per hour but not less thanaminimumoftwenty-threedollars($23.00)per
day. 8.Motor Cycle (a)Employees who are required by the Company to
ride motor cyclesduringtheirnormalduties,shallbepaida motor cycle
allowance of one hundred and seven dollars ($107.00) per month. 56
(b)Allemployeeswhoarerequiredtoridemotorcycles during the course of
their duties shall be covered with personal accident insurance
policies by the Company. 9.Shift (a)Employees whose normal duties
during the month involve shiftdutyaround-the-clockshallbepaidashift
allowance as follows: (i) Telephone Operators -$435.00 per month
(ii) Other shift employees-$454.00 per month (b)Employees who work
shift other than in (a) above shall be paid a shift allowance as
indicated below: (i) Telephone Operators -$271.00 per month night
only* (ii) Other shift employees-$226.00 per month *Beverley
Massiah #2361 Sandra Tuitt #2420
(c)Ashiftemployeeshallcontinuetoreceiveshift allowance while on
paid leaves of absence. (d)Employees required to work on a Sunday,
Christmas Day, New Year's Day and other Public holidays, shall be
paid in addition to (a) and (b) the following allowances:-
Sunday-$33.00 per shift Christmas or New Years Day-$75.00 per shift
Other Public Holidays-$38.00 per shift
(e)WhenaPublicHolidayfallswithinashiftemployee's
workweekandsuchpublicholidaycoincideswiththe
employeesrestday,heshallbegrantedanotherday
offwithintwenty-eight(28)daysofsuchpublic holiday, or, upon
request, such leave shall be credited
tohisannualvacationleaveentitlementofthe following year. 57 (f)Only
employees of the status Senior Operator and above shall be in
charge of shifts. 10.Split Shift
Employeeswhosedutiesrequiresplit-shifts,i.e.two-part
shiftsduringthesameday,andwhosetwo-partshiftsare separated by a
period of two hours or more shall receive a Split-Shift Allowance
of twenty dollars ($20.00) per day in
Trinidadandtwenty-threedollars($23.00)perdayin Tobago. 11.In-Charge
(i)Senior Technician A Senior Technician in charge of an Exchange
shall be paid an
allowanceoftwohundredandeighty-threedollars($283.00) per month
while in charge of the Exchange. (ii) Crews
Anyemployee,intheundermentionedcategories,whois authorised to work
as the designated Foreman shall be paid
anallowanceattherateoftwohundredandthirty-two dollars ($232.00) per
month: Senior Technicians Senior Electricians Senior AC Power
Technicians Senior DC Power Technicians Senior Refrigeration
Technicians Senior Outside Plant Attendants (iii) One Man
Whentheworkprogrammetobeperformediswithinthe
capacityofaSeniorTechnicianandheisrequiredto
executeitalone,heshallbepaidanallowanceofTwo
Hundredandthirty-twoDollars($232.00)permonthduring the performance
of those duties. 58 (iv) Officer-in-Charge
EmployeeswhoarerequestedtoworkasOfficersinCharge
duringtheabsenceoftheSupervisorshallbepaidanIn charge Allowance of
thirty-two dollars ($32.00) per shift. 12.On Call (a)Employees who
are placed On Call for a period of one (1) week shall be paid an
allowance of Four Hundred and Thirty-five Dollars ($435.00) for
each such period. (b)SuchonCa11periodshallbeforseven(7)daysand
shallbeforatwelve(12)hourperiodstartingfrom
6:00p.m.onedayandendingat6:00a.m.onthe
followingday,exceptinthecircumstancesof
Saturdays,SundaysandPublicHolidays,whenOnCall period shall cover
the entire day. (c)Should a Public Holiday occur during an On Call
period, the additional sum of sixty-two dollars ($62.00) shall be
paid for such holiday. (d)Overtime shall be paid for actual time
worked and shall include the time the employee received the call
and end when he returns home, with a minimum guarantee of four (4)
hours overtime per call. (e)Overtime payments shall be on the
following basis for each call as stated in (b) above: (i)Monday to
Friday - time and one half (1 1/2) all hours worked. (ii)
SaturdaysandSundays-timeandone half(11/2)hoursworkedduringthe
guaranteed period.Any continuous hours
workedinexcessoftheguaranteed period will be paid at double time.
(iii) Public Holidays - double time all hours
workedtogetherwiththepaymentof sixty-two dollars ($62.00) allowance
for beingOnCalloneachsuchpublic holiday. 13.Call Out 59
(a)AnemployeewhoisnotonOn-Calldutyandwhois
calledoutbytheCompanyatshortnoticeorunder forty-eight (48) hours to
work on his off duty
period,shallbepaidaCallOutAllowanceoffortydollars ($40.00); and for
work performed during the period, he shall be paid in accordance
with Schedule 4.15. (b)Anemployeewhoiscalledouttoworkandarrives
withinone(1)hourofbeingcalledshallbepaid
overtimefromthetimeofbeingcalled.Anemployee
whoiscalledoutandarrivesafterone(1)hourof
beingcalledshallbepaidovertimefromthetimeof arrival.
(c)AnemployeewhoiscalledouttoworkbytheCompany shall be guaranteed a
minimum of four (4) hours pay at the appropriate overtime rates.
(d)The Company shall pay to the employee the sum incurred for
transport costs to return home. 14.Extra Duty (Overtime) 1.Normal
Working Days Time and one half (1 1/2) his regular hourly rate for
the first four (4) hours; double time for the next four (4) hours
and triple time thereafter. 2.Saturdays, Sundays and Off-Days
Double Time his regular hourly rate for the first eight (8) hours
and triple time thereafter, with a guarantee
offour(4)hours'overtimepayforworkingfour(4)
hoursorlessandeight(8)hours'overtimepayfor working in excess of
four (4) hours but less than eight (8) hours. 3.Public Holidays
Double Time his regular hourly rate for the first six
(6)hoursandtripletimethereafter,inadditionto
hisnormalday'spayentitlementwithaminimum
guaranteeoffour(4)hours'overtimepayforworking
four(4)hoursorlessandeight(8)hours'overtime 60 pay for working in
excess of four (4) hours, but less than eight (8) hours. It is
agreed that overtime rates shall be computed as follows: a.Salary x
1.5(Time and a Half)173* for 40 effective hours 151* for 35
effective hours 130* for 30 effective hours b.Salary x 2 (Double
time) 173 for 40 effective hours 151for 35 effective hours 130for
30 effective hours c.Salary x 3 (Triple time) 173for 40 effective
hours 151for 35 effective hours 130for 30 effective hours *average
monthly hours worked 15.Travelling
TransportPolicyprovisionforJuniorStaffPersonnelin Scheduled
Travelling Posts. The following provisions shall be included as
Group D in the TransportPolicyandshallapplytoJuniorStaffpersonnel
whoaredesignatedtravellingofficerswhileholding scheduled travelling
posts: (a)Group D Loan -$85,000 Value Added Tax
Relief-Uptoamaximumof 15% of loan granted Fixed Monthly
Allowance-$1243 13,518 km per annum 61 Mileage Allowance Travelling
Officer-$1.13 per km Non Travelling Officer-$1.24 per km
(b)Thecompensationpayabletopersonsrequiredbythe
Companytokeepcommunicationsequipmentinstalledin their motor car is
five hundred and sixty-five dollars ($565.00) each time a car is
purchased. 16. Foreign Language
Anoperatorwho,duringthenormalcourseofduties,is
requestedbytheCompanytospeakaforeignlanguagein
whichhe/sheisconsideredfluent,shallbeentitledtoa
ForeignLanguageAllowanceoftwohundredandsixdollars ($206.00) per
month. 17.Wheel Change Whenever employees are required to change
wheels they shall receive an allowance of:- Light Vehicle - $11.00
Heavy Vehicle - $14.00 18.Cost of Living Allowance
Forthepurposeofassistinginmeetingincreasesinthe cost of living, an
allowance shall be paid to each worker in the Bargaining Unit as
follows: This basis of calculation shall be the Trinidad and Tobago
Governments Official Index of Retail Prices using a base of 116.7
points. (i)ThisbasisofcalculationshallbetheTrinidad
andTobagoGovernmentsOfficialIndexofRetail Prices using a base of
116.7 points. (ii)Anallowanceofelevencentsperhourforevery
one(1)completepointriseabovethebaseof 116.7 points. (iii)The Cost
of Living Allowance shall be calculatedeach month on the number of
hours worked including overtime, but the hourly rate governing the
addition, shall be the same during overtime hours as during normal
working hours. 62 (iv)Payments of this allowance shall be
calculated for eachsuchmonthtoeachworkerintheBargaining
UnitinaccordancewiththeincreaseintheCost of Living Index over the
base of 116.7 points. 19.Laundry
EmployeeswhoarerequiredtowearUniformsorProtective
ClothingshallbepaidaLaundryAllowanceofOneHundred and Two Dollars
($102.00) per month.This allowance shall not be applica