The employer introduced a privatization initiative for translation services, allowing employees to bid for contracts but requiring successful bidders to resign and forfeit enhanced severance.
The union grieved, arguing this violated the collective agreement's requirement to make reasonable efforts to assist employees in securing employment and its provision allowing employees to bid on the same basis as non-employees.
The Grievance Settlement Board upheld the grievance, finding the policy placed employees at a disadvantage compared to outside bidders and deprived them of negotiated rights.
The Board declared the policy invalid and extended the deadline for submitting bids.
