2024-07-19
On June 5th, we presented our policy grievance on the Invasive Medical Questionnaire and Medical Examination to the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS). On July 16th, TBS denied our policy grievance. TBS’s opinion is that “The Employer acted appropriately and reasonably to protect the health and safety of employees as well as the individuals they serve and interact with.” Our stance is that this policy is discriminatory, unjust, and intrusive.
Given the nature and importance of our work, we should be subject to some medical evaluation and/or monitoring. We have had hearing and psychological standards for a long time. However, we must be a part of determining how any new or updated evaluations are implemented so that we can ensure the process is fair and reasonable and that your private medical information is kept confidential between you and your medical providers. The employer should not be privy to any of our personal medical information.
We are committed to challenging this discriminatory, unjust, and intrusive policy so that it is overturned. In addition to the legal and health and safety experts at CUPE National, we have engaged outside legal counsel, with expertise in the Federal Public Sector, to ensure we have the best information available to determine the most effective next steps. At this time, all individual grievances will remain in abeyance while we work on the next steps with our legal counsel.
Please continue to share your experiences with us. These first-hand accounts are invaluable for us to be able to give real-life examples of how the implementation of this policy is affecting you.
If you are facing disciplinary action relating to this program, for choosing not to undergo these health evaluations by an employer-selected medical practitioner, immediately contact your CUPE 104 Regional Chairperson for guidance and assistance.
In Solidarity,
Your CUPE Local 104 Executive