H17- Absence Due to Adverse Weather Conditions

Originator: Vice President, Human Resource Services and Sustainability
Approver: President’s Council
Effective: November 8, 2011
Replaces: New

1. Preamble

The College requires a consistent approach for dealing with cases of absenteeism as a direct result of adverse weather conditions or sudden catastrophes. To that end, this policy has been enacted to provide clear obligations for employees with respect to reporting to work during times of inclement weather or other unforeseen events.

2. Policy

All employees must abide by the procedures outlined in this policy. This policy shall apply whenever adverse weather conditions are present, including but not limited to severe storms. In addition, this policy shall apply where natural disasters or other sudden catastrophes have occurred in the vicinity of affected employees or of the work location.

3. Procedures

3.1

Employees shall make every effort to reach their respective work location(s) at all times unless otherwise authorized by College Administration or the employee’s supervisor. It is incumbent upon employees to be at their specified work location(s) during prescribed hours in order to maintain consistent levels of operation and provide services to the public at large.

3.2

Employees who find it impossible to reach their work location(s) or cannot reach such place of work for the prescribed starting time due to extreme or hazardous conditions are responsible for contacting their immediate supervisor or place of work as soon as possible; either prior to their normal starting time or as soon as practicable thereafter.

3.3

Where the College announces over the radio, television or any other means of communication that it is “closed” due to adverse weather conditions, the staff of the College will, unless otherwise specifically instructed or authorized, not be expected to report for work. If there is any doubt, staff members must attempt to contact their supervisors or designate.

3.4

Where the College has not been declared “closed,” employees who are absent from work and who do not contact their supervisor or designate at their place of work in such situations will be considered to be absent without leave and as such, may be subject to discipline.

3.5

Where the College has not been declared “closed,” employees who have advised the proper authority that they are not able to report for work will be required to make up the missed time by utilizing available vacation leave, banked overtime, or, with their supervisor’s approval, the time missed may be made up by working additional hours on a straight time basis. If no such options are available or are not practical, such leave would be recognized as being without pay.

3.6

For situations where adverse weather conditions arise during the course of a work day, employees are expected to remain at their work locations unless otherwise instructed and authorized by their supervisor.

4. Enforcement

Employees who violate this policy may be subject to discipline, up to and including dismissal.

Related Policy and Legislation

E2 – Emergency Response