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.