Over the past several months we have been in conversation with SDZWA management regarding unclear and ambiguous seniority language for Wildlife Care members.
After seeking input from Wildlife Care stewards and members, we have crafted new, clear proposed language that creates one seniority process for both the Zoo and Safari Park.
The new language must be approved by affected members. All wildlife care members are eligible to vote on the change, and two meeting dates have been set for discussion and voting.
Dates/ Times:
Thursday, June 4th at 4:30PM and Tuesday, June 9th at 4:30PM
Location:
Mira Mesa Public Library Community Room, 8405 New Salem St. San Diego
What:
Voting on proposed interpretation of CBA Article 10 Section 2(b) for Wildlife Care Departments at Zoo and Safari Park
Local 481 Wildlife Care stewards have endorsed a “yes” vote to approve a clear interpretation of the contract language that sets Wildlife Care Seniority. We know there are many other ambiguities and inconsistencies in our contract. This is just the first step that we can take to keep building on it.
Proposed Interpretation to be voted on by Wildlife Care Members:
Article 10 - Seniority, Section 2 (b)
“For purposes of interpreting this contract provision a “Departmental Team” shall refer to the entire Wildlife Care Department at the Zoo and the entire Wildlife Care Department at the Safari Park as singular and distinct units. The language will apply to any and all bargaining unit members within those two “Departmental Teams” whose job classification includes the words “Wildlife Care” in their title (e.g. Wildlife Care Specialist, Senior Wildlife Care Specialist, Wildlife Care Associate, Senior Wildlife Care Associate).
Any transfer between “Society Teams” within the Zoo Wildlife Care Department (i.e. Birds to Reptiles) will retain their departmental seniority from the date they entered the Wildlife Care Department, not their entry date to the newest “Society Team”. The same applies to transfers between “Society Teams” within the Safari Park Wildlife Care Department (i.e. Primate/Carnivore to Condors).
Bridging Seniority will apply to transfers between the Zoo and the Safari Park within the Wildlife Care Department for those job classifications with “Wildlife Care” in the title. For any Wildlife Care employee who has already bid from one Wildlife Care Department into a different Wildlife Care Department (Zoo to Safari Park or Safari Park to Zoo), it is agreed that the 36-month waiting period clock started running on the date they started working in their current Wildlife Care Department. If that date is over 36 months ago, they will be regarded as having already fulfilled the 36-month waiting period and will be immediately eligible to apply to bridge their seniority. This “look back” period has no time limit.”