Common use of PEL Clause in Contracts

PEL. As a part of the negotiations concluded today, the Company agreed that effective May 1, 1997 it will accrue three cents (.03) for each hour (excluding any vacation period) for which employees in the bargaining unit are compensated, to be used for educational purposes. Such accrued amounts shall be paid at the end of each quarter into a trust fund established by the National Union UNIFOR, Canadian Region at their headquarters in Port Elgin, Ontario. Upon written application at least four weeks in advance, employees selected by the Union shall be granted a leave of absence without pay from the Company for a period not to exceed, in any twelve (12) months, twenty (20) days class time plus travel time where necessary. Such leave shall be available only to employees selected to benefit from the educational program funded wholly or in part from the trust fund referred to above and will be limited to two employees at any one time in this particular program. Employees granted such Leave of Absence will continue to accrue seniority and benefits during such leave. The parties agree that adequate cross training is necessary to ensure a flexible work force as well as developing the employees to sufficiently handle new processes and methods of manufacturing. Although, training shall be the responsibility of the Company, the Union agrees to consult and communicate with the Company on this matter. Further, it agrees to meet with the Company and resolve any problems arising, after any training has been mutually agreed upon. The Company will attempt to develop a master schedule matrix on training wherever possible, to ensure consistency and the most efficient manner to complete the cross training.