Common use of TECHNOLOGICAL OR PROCEDURAL CHANGES Clause in Contracts

TECHNOLOGICAL OR PROCEDURAL CHANGES. 18.1 Technological change" is defined as any change in technology, methods or procedure which either: (a) decreases the number of employees that existed when the current contract was negotiated with the Union; or (b) results in a substantial change in the method of operation. 18.2 The Federation shall give the Union three (3) months notice when the Federation intends to introduce any technological change as defined in Article 18. 1. Within ten (10) days of submitting such notice, the Federation agrees to meet the Union representatives in order to discuss the time, procedures, methods or equipment. The Federation agrees to provide facilities and sufficient time, without the loss of regular weekly wages, in order that members of the unit may become proficient in the process, or in the operation, maintenance or repair of such equipment. Members shall be afforded the opportunity to retrain, in accordance with their seniority, provided that in no event shall a member be laid off or lose their preference claim who has not been retrained. 18.3 In the event that technological change, as defined in Article 18.1, is introduced, new requirements affecting employees by reason of this technological change shall be determined prior to the introduction of technological change by mutual agreement of the Parties to this Agreement. If mutual agreement is not reached by the date of the intended introduction as outlined in Article 18.2 above, the technological change shall not be introduced and the matter shall be referred to arbitration. 18.4 The Federation guarantees to the Union that no present regular full-time or regular part- time employees will lose employment by the introduction of technological change. 18.5 No additional permanent employee shall be hired by the Federation until employees affected by technological change have been allowed a reasonable training period to acquire the necessary knowledge or skills to retain their employment as provided for in Article 18.2.