Treasury Board Collective Agreement Bereavement Leave
As the largest employer in Canada, the federal government has workplace policies that impact thousands of employees every day. One particular policy that is of great importance to many employees is bereavement leave under the Treasury Board collective agreement.
Bereavement leave is a form of paid leave that employees can take when they need to grieve the loss of a loved one. It allows employees to take time off work to attend funerals or mourn with their family members. This type of leave is essential because it provides employees with the necessary support to manage their grief in a healthy and productive way.
Under the Treasury Board collective agreement, full-time employees are entitled to five (5) days of bereavement leave with pay for each instance of death or funeral. Part-time employees are also entitled to this benefit on a pro-rated basis based on their working hours. It should be noted that the entitlement of bereavement leave with pay does not include travel time.
The Treasury Board collective agreement outlines who is entitled to take bereavement leave and the definition of the term “family member” for the purpose of bereavement leave. The definition includes an employee`s spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, and legal ward. Additionally, the definition of “family member” will also include the employee`s spouse`s parent and child for a continuous period of not less than 12 months immediately before the death of the person.
To take bereavement leave, employees should notify their employer as soon as possible, preferably before the start of their shift. In some cases, the employer may request proof of the death or funeral, such as an obituary or funeral program.
It is important to note that if an employee needs more than five days of bereavement leave, they may be eligible to use sick leave or other forms of leave, such as personal or vacation leave. This will be at the discretion of the employer, and the employee must make the request.
In conclusion, bereavement leave is a critical benefit that provides employees with the time and support they need to cope with the loss of a loved one. Understanding the entitlement and guidelines for bereavement leave under the Treasury Board collective agreement is essential for employees and their families. Employers should also be aware of this policy and be prepared to support their employees during a difficult time.

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