Community Savings Signs Domestic Violence Agreement
January 27, 2020
Community Savings Credit Union voluntarily adopts policy to grant up to 10 days of paid leave for employees to deal with domestic violence issues. Community Savings Credit Union (CSCU) reached out to MoveUp and UFCW 1518, the two unions that represent CSCU’s staff and asked that new language be drafted that would provide paid leave for employees dealing with domestic violence.
In response to the BC Federation of Labour’s (BCFED) Workers Deserve Better campaign, which calls on the provincial government to enact legislation to provide at least ten days of paid leave for those who have experienced domestic or sexualized violence, Community Savings decided to take the lead and not wait for potential legislation.
“This is simply the right thing to do. No decent employer would refuse support to a friend and colleague who is working through such difficult circumstances. Although Community Savings has worked with MoveUp and UFCW to adopt this policy voluntarily, we do support the BC Federation of Labour’s campaign to enshrine these rights in law. It is the only way to ensure all Canadians have this basic level of support when they need it most,” said Mike Schilling, CSCU CEO & President.
In the Letter of Agreement with MoveUp and UFCW 1518, Community Savings Credit Union agrees to grant up to ten days of paid leave for employees to deal with issues related to domestic violence. Additionally, up to 15 weeks of unpaid leave on top of the ten days of paid leave will be made available if an employee submits a reasonable request.
“Domestic violence is, unfortunately, something that many of us face and removing yourself from that type of situation can be very difficult and stressful,” said Christy Slusarenko, MoveUP Vice-President of Combined Units. “When we talk about supporting workers and our members, it has to include being there for them in those situations as well, even if they take place outside of the workplace.”
“We are pleased to see that Community Savings has shown leadership by offering paid leave for domestic violence. Along with the BC Fed, UFCW 1518 advocates for legislative change to allow at least ten paid days for people facing domestic violence. This is critical as we know sexual assault is on the rise in Canada and will help working women and people experiencing domestic and intimate partner violence escape a dangerous situation, protect their families and get back on their feet,” added: Kim Novak, UFCW 1518 President.
Understanding the importance of this time off, Community Savings felt it was important as an organization to set a positive example and show that workers truly come first. When people are dealing with domestic violence, they find themselves in situations when they need to seek help, make critical decisions, and the last thing they need is to worry about how it will affect their job situation.
About Community Savings
Community Savings Credit Union is BC’s largest fully unionized credit union and is dedicated to being the credit union of choice within the working community. At Community Savings Credit Union, we are known for providing exceptional service to each member, and our passion lies in empowering our members to achieve their financial goals. Being member owned and operated, Community Savings invests in communities by supporting local charities and non-profit organizations to help create stronger and more vibrant communities.
