Tentative Paid Sick Leave Agreement

Brothers and Sisters,

Attached for your review and distribution to the membership is the Tentative Paid Sick Leave Agreement with Q&A’s and Side Letters.  Side Letter #1 addresses the process for 2023 on all properties except the UP Eastern District.  Side Letter #2 addresses the UP Easter District in 2023 because Personal Leave days are reset on the fiscal year (August 1) instead of the calendar year.  We are writing up a synopsis of the agreement and will have it released this week.  The President’s office determined voting will be conducted by the Local Chairpersons as this is not craft specific but covers all crafts represented by SMART TD.  Ballots will be sent out to Local Chairpersons this week.  We will schedule conference calls with each territory in the upcoming weeks to answer any questions. 

The agreement provides three (3) paid sick days to all employees, regardless of craft or class of service represented by SMART TD, for the remainder of 2023.  Beginning January 1, 2024, all employees, regardless of craft or class of service represented by SMART TD, will be provided five (5) paid sick days annually with the option of converting three (3) vacation days to paid sick days.  Paid sick days can be taken at any time or day and cannot be denied by CMS.  Also beginning January 1, 2024, the Additional Day is modified so employees can take it at any time or day and CMS cannot deny their request unless it’s the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day.  On those days the Additional Day is subject to supply and demand.     

The agreement also creates a banking system for unused Personal Leave, Paid Sick and the Additional Day.  Employees will be able to cash out days once per year or during an approved medical leave of absence.  We also secured language protecting our members from discipline under Carrier’s attendance policy when they use Paid Sick Days.  This agreement is a big step towards improving the quality of life for our membership.   

Fraternally,

Luke Edington
General Chairman
SMART TD GO-953