Article 13
Employee Assistance Program
Section 1. General
a. Management agrees to continue the DOL Employee Assistance Program
(programs for employees troubled by alcoholism, drug abuse, emotional
illness, or other personal problems that may affect job performance) and to
make employees and supervisors aware of the program.
b. Management will, at least annually, make employees aware of the Employee
Assistance Program and available services provided under it.
Section 2. Union-Management Cooperation
The parties recognize alcoholism, drug abuse, and emotional illness as treatable
health problems that may affect job performance. They agree to cooperate fully in
efforts to rehabilitate employees who accept assistance made available under
provisions of this program and also recognize that the program is designed to deal
forthrightly with problems at an early stage.
Section 3. Union Participation in Program Training
A designated Union representative from each Agency will be invited to attend
seminars, workshops, conferences or training sessions designed to acquaint
employees with the program and its operation.
Section 4. Use of Sick Leave
Employees undergoing a prescribed program of treatment will be granted sick
leave for this purpose on the same basis as any other illness when absence from
work is necessary.
Section 5. Relationship to Disciplinary and Adverse Action
If an employee requests assistance and participates in the program, the
responsible supervisory official must weigh this fact in determining any appropriate
disciplinary and adverse action, and may postpone such action.
Section 6. Union Responsibility
This Article shall not be construed as a relinquishment by Local 12 of its
responsibility to represent an employee, upon request, in connection with
personnel actions arising from alleged alcoholism, drug abuse, emotional illness, or
other personal problems.
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