Date: _______________.

 

Dear Clinical Manager,

 

This letter is in response to the letter I received regarding the attendance management policy, dated _____________.

 

I have to express my disappointment at the way this employer is treating its employees when it comes to sick leave.  It is recognized nationally that nurses have a higher incidence of sick leave than other employees, because of the workload and constant stress that we are under.

 

Your letter refers to the Hospital average of 4.8%; I believe that the correct average should be calculated for nursing separately.  Your 4.8% average is skewed because a number of your employees work five days per week and regular day shifts only, and without direct patient contact, in comparison to nurses who work seven days per week on a twenty-four hour basis with direct patient contact.

 

I also disagree with the way the absences are calculated.  I believe that if the employer wants to use such a policy, that you need to have a standard time frame.  My letter refers to a period of ___________ to _____________, when others have a different time frame.  It should be as per the fiscal year for everyone.

 

Finally I find this kind of letter disciplinary in nature and to not think that it is the way to resolve the absenteeism problem.  The employer has to recognize the work that we do and try to come up with positive ways to help, not punish.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Printed Name: ___________________________

 

cc. ONA Local 83                              cc.Attendance Management Coordinator

      36 Antares Drive                                Marie Paul-Philippe

      Suite 1000                                          Labour Relations Dept-TOH

      Ottawa, Ontario, K2E-7W5                 The Ottawa Hospital-Civic

       Phone: (613) 731-1314                        1053 Carling Avenue

       Fax: (613) 731-1307                            Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y-4E9

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