Do sensitize Union members about mental health disabilitiesensure we have harassment-free workplaceslisten carefully and respectfullyrecognize signs of mental health disabilities so that we can assist our members and direct them to appropriate resourcesfind out what assistance and recourse routes are available in the workplace and community for members with mental disabilitiesbe sure that members know their rightsfind out if the member …

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Gather all the facts, including the “7 W’s” (What, Where, When, Why, Want, Whoa!)Make sure the situation at issue can be grieved, then thoroughly assess the facts to see whether the situation ought to be grieved. Draft a complete and concise grievance. There should be just enough information for the employer to identify the decision or …

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Is there a disability? Medical information may be requiredIf the member is unable to obtain the medical information themselves and clarification is needed then obtain voluntary release for medical information that relates to the accommodation needs only (not a release of all medical information or medical information that does not relate to the disability that requires accommodation) What is the extent of the disability? Job demands analysis and work description to be provided to the physician or otherexpertsMedical information concerning the nature and extent of restrictions and limitationsEnsure medical information links restrictions and limitations to the accommodation of the jobFollow-up if medical information is inadequate or inaccurate Can the employee’s own job be modified short of undue hardship? Work and workplace redesign and re-bundling of tasksUse of equipment, assistive devicesAlternative or flexible schedules and hoursReassignment and other …

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There is no comprehensive list of accommodations for people who are dealing with mental health issues. Accommodations tend to be based on the individual needs of Employees as well as on the resources available to the Employer. In some instances, a small Employer will be unable to provide the same type of accommodation as a …

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(modified from “Accommodating the Mentally Disabled Employee: The Union Perspective” by Catherine Sullivan, BC Government & Service Employees’ Union, Burnaby, BC, with the assistance of Law Co-op Student Patrick Hayes, for the Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia, November 2008) Duty of Fair Representation and Accommodation Accommodation is a multi-party responsibility. The Central Okanagan …

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