The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) has negotiated a comprehensive collective agreement for members of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC). In this agreement, there are provisions for bereavement leave, which is an essential benefits component for employees who need to take time off work to mourn the loss of a loved one.
Bereavement leave is defined as a type of leave that employees are entitled to take when a family member or close friend passes away. It is intended to provide employees with time to grieve and attend to the arrangements that come with death, including attending funeral services, handling legal matters, and taking care of the estate of the deceased.
PIPSC`s collective agreement grants its members with five days of paid bereavement leave. This entitlement covers immediate family members, including spouses or common-law partners, children, parents, grandparents, siblings, and step-relations. Additionally, the coverage can extend to include other relatives and close friends, depending on individual circumstances.
In the case of bereavement leave, the employee must inform their supervisor as soon as possible and provide documentation, such as a death certificate or obituary notice, to support their request. In some cases, the supervisor may require additional information, such as the relationship between the employee and the deceased.
It is important to note that the five-day entitlement is a minimum requirement set out in the collective agreement and employers have the discretion to provide additional time or benefits. Employees should always refer to their specific collective agreement and speak with their human resources representative to understand their entitlements fully.
Grieving is an emotionally draining process, and it is vital that employees have the time to process their loss without worrying about work commitments. PIPSC`s collective agreement provides its members with peace of mind that they can take the necessary time to grieve and take care of the arrangements that come with death.
In conclusion, bereavement leave is an essential component of employee benefits and can be a significant source of support during difficult times. PIPSC`s collective agreement recognizes this and provides its members with a comprehensive bereavement leave entitlement that covers a broad range of family members and close friends. If you are a member of PIPSC and require bereavement leave, speak with your supervisor and human resources representative to access your entitlements fully.