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5/10/07 Last week, employees of Intermediate Unit One received a letter from Dr. O'Shea addressing the issue of excessive absenteeism. Despite the stern tenor of Dr. O'Shea's letter emphasizing the serious nature of persons exceeding their entitlement days, the problem continues to persist. From the Association's perspective, I would like to re-emphasize the serious nature of exceeding allotment of entitlement days. Although we realize that some persons do not enjoy the health of their peers, you must be prudent with the use of your allotted days! Sick days are to be used only for an employee's own health issues. These days should not and cannot be used for health issues of family members, "mental health" days, vacation days or any other reason. As Dr. O'Shea indicated in his letter, there exists no such thing as a "dock day". If there is a need for a leave, there are several options that are available via the Collective Bargaining agreement as well as State/Federal statutes. We would suggest that if needed, you contact either an Association representative or the Human Resource Department for available options. The Association has worked diligently to insure that a system of progressive discipline is employed in all disciplinary matters. To this point in time, the Administration has worked cooperatively with the Association but please be warned that, at any point in time, the Administration may decide to challenge any practice in progressive discipline. This could mean that, should you exceed your entitlement days, there is no guarantee that progressive discipline will be applied and the Administration could make a recommendation for termination. Although the Association would contest any such action, there is no such thing as a sure win in any arbitration. The Administration could base their case on a multitude of reasons within the PA School Code including job abandonment, negligence and breech of contract. At a minimum, according to the PA School Code, any unauthorized leave could constitute a break in seniority. Therefore, your seniority would be compromised placing you at the bottom of the seniority list. With the popularity of district take-overs that may involve total realignment of the IU staff, this could place you in a very precarious position in that if we would be in a "layoff" posture, the least senior person can be furloughed. In conclusion, when districts purchase our services, they expect a cost effective, quality product. Please do not provide the districts with yet more impetus for take-overs. We encourage you to honor your contract and more importantly honor your commitment as a professional. Dennis J. Krivacek President IU#1EA |