2005-2007 Collective Bargaining Agreement

Education

29.1. The Department of Education's Affirmative Action Plan shall be accessible to all employees at each work place within the Department of Education.

29.2. The Employer and the Association will establish a committee for the purpose of developing and implementing a mutually agreeable departmental employee educational policy. Topics for this committee shall include the staff development, educational leave, and Sabbatical programs, along with funding measures and procedures.

29.3. Whenever the temperature is extreme in any office building leased or owned by the Department, or the health and safety of employees is at risk, the President of Chapter 44 shall have access to the Commissioner, or a designee of the Commissioner, relative to establishing alternative work arrangements or closure of said offices for the affected employees without loss of pay or benefits.

29.4. Employees shall be provided with an identification card bearing their photograph to be worn by the employee and visible. These cards shall be laminated and provided at no cost to the employee.

29.5. The Employer shall make every effort to ensure that employee lounges, rest rooms, work areas, and meeting rooms are maintained, cleaned and hygienic.

29.6. The Employer agrees to maintain open communication with unit employees. Decisions affecting employees and/or the day-to-day work of the Department of Education shall be shared with employees through one of the following communications tools, depending upon subject matter and circumstance:

1. Email notification to selected employees appropriate to the topic being discussed;
    
2. Email notification to all employees on issues that affect the entire Department of Education;
    
3. Staff meetings called at the discretion of the Employer.