Article 11
Employee Assistance Program
History

Section 1. General

a. Management agrees to continue the DOL Employee Assistance Program (programs for employees troubled by alcoholism, drug abuse, emotional illness, or other personal problems that may affect job performance) and to make employees and supervisors aware of the program.
b. Management will, at least annually, make employees aware of the Employee Assistance Program and available services provided under it.

Section 2. Union-Management Cooperation

The parties recognize alcoholism, drug abuse, and emotional illness as treatable health problems that may affect job performance. They agree to cooperate fully in efforts to rehabilitate employees who accept assistance made available under provisions of this program and also recognize that the program is designed to deal forthrightly with problems at an early stage. To assure the effective implementation of the Department's policy regarding the Employee Assistance Program, it is agreed that a joint Labor-Management Committee, consisting of two (2) representatives of the Department and two (2) representatives of Local 12 appointed to serve at the pleasure of their respective principals, is hereby created to meet at such times and places as may be decided by the Committee.

Section 3. Committee Functions

It shall be the function of the Committee to consult, as appropriate, with individuals engaged in the implementation of the policy on the Employee Assistance Program to:

a. Ascertain what additional measures, if any, may be necessary or desirable to assure the continued efficiency and effectiveness of the program;
b. Recommend adoption of such measures; and
c. Inform the Executive Board of Local 12 and appropriate Department officials, subject to rules of confidentiality, on the operation of the program.

Section 4. Union Participation in Program Training

A designated Union representative from each Agency will be invited to attend seminars, workshops, conferences or training sessions designed to acquaint supervisors, managers, and employees with the program and its operation.

Section 5. Use of Sick Leave

Employees undergoing a prescribed program of treatment will be granted sick leave for this purpose on the same basis as any other illness when absence from work is necessary.

Section 6. Relationship to Disciplinary and AdverseAction

If an employee requests assistance and participates in the program, the responsible supervisory official must weigh this fact in determining any appropriate disciplinary and adverse action, and may postpone such action.

Section 7. Union Responsibility

This Article shall not be construed as a relinquishment by Local 12 of its responsibility to represent an employee, upon request, in connection with personnel actions arising from alleged alcoholism, drug abuse, emotional illness, or other personal problems.