Rotation of Duties Consultation

Our contract includes a requirement for a rotation of duties schedule for every work area. Unfortunately, until now a schedule has not been in effect in S/L Manual #3. As a result, a grievance was filed. This grievance was discussed on April 29th and an agreement was reached to consult on a schedule for both the full-timers and part-timers within one month. We would like to get your input on the schedule.

Article 14.21 “A program of work shall be developed for the employees in a work complement so that each employee may, as much as possible, have an opportunity to perform all the duties of his or her classification to the same extent as the other employees of his or her complement. The program shall include the method of rotation and the time during which the employees will perform a set of duties pertaining to the classification.” [page 84]

This article is in the contract for two reasons. Firstly, it is there to ensure that jobs are assigned fairly, that everybody gets the same chance to do the jobs they like and has the same responsibility to do the unpopular jobs. Secondly, performing a variety of jobs is better for our bodies.

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has posted info on the health hazards of jobs that include long periods of standing on their website. They explain that:

“Working in a standing position on a regular basis can cause sore feet, swelling of the legs, varicose veins, general muscular fatigue, low back pain, stiffness in the neck and shoulders, and other health problems.”

“Prolonged and frequent standing, without some relief by walking, causes blood to pool in the legs and feet. When standing occurs continually over prolonged periods, it can result in inflammation of the veins. This inflammation may progress over time to chronic and painful varicose veins. Excessive standing also causes the joints in the spine, hips, knees and feet to become temporarily immobilized or locked. The immobility can later lead to rheumatic diseases due to degenerative damage to the tendons and ligaments.”

The height of the belts also causes health problems. Shorter people are required to constantly reach forwards to clear the entire belt while taller people are constantly bending down to do their work.

For the PTers, we would like to see a rotation that includes rotation between CFCs, dumping and breakdown jobs. In some areas clerks change jobs every day. In others, clerks change jobs after break. As well, we would like to see more frequent rotation between positions on the CFC during the shift. On the FSM, clerks change positions (between feeding and sweeping) every 30 minutes. Clerks in many areas are allowed to trade jobs. What sort of rotation would you like? We would also like your suggestions on how the work can be designed so that it is safe for all employees.

If you have an opinion, please speak to the stewards in Manual #3 [Helen de Guzman and Justin Lim] or myself.

Kathy Roczkowskyj, Chief Steward, Afternoon Shift, VMPP May 3, 2010