Time Off for Trade Unions - Requesting Time Off

Trade Unions should request time off through their line manager and/or Head of Department (as appropriate), with as much notice as possible.

A number of regular formal meetings, for example JNCC, will be included in the University Diary and therefore will enable representatives to give sufficient notice in advance for time off. The University and the Trade Unions will agree other formal meetings in order to give notice in advance for time off. It is recognised that by the nature of casework some issues may be urgent in nature. Therefore Trade Unions are requested to give as much notice as possible in requesting time off for casework.

The decision to grant requests for paid time off will be based on their reasonableness; for example ensuring adequate cover for safety or to safeguard the provision of service. University of York managers and Trade Union officials will therefore seek to agree mutually convenient times which minimise the effect on the University. Where workplace meetings are requested consideration will be given to holding them, for example:

• Towards the end of a shift or working week
• Before or after a meal break
• In a break in a programme.

Requests for time off will be considered individually based on the merits of each application in conjunction with the reasonableness of the request in relation to agreed time off already taken or in prospect.

Where there are specific training requirements, Trade Union officials who request paid time off to undergo relevant training should:

• Give at least four weeks’ notice to the appropriate line manager and/or Head of Department at the University of York of nominations for training courses.
• Provide a copy of the syllabus or prospectus to the Secretary of the JNCC indicating the content of the training course.

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• Last reviewed and updated: 5 August 2021