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Collective bargaining is the process in which working people, through their union, negotiate contracts with their employer to determine their terms of employment. This can include pay, benefits, hours, leave, health and safety policies, and more. Collective bargaining can also be a way to solve worksite issues. Through collective bargaining, working people in unions have stronger wages, better benefits and safer workplaces. To download this contract as a pdf, click here or scroll to the bottom of the page


2024-2027

Volare & SEIU Local 503

Collective Bargaining Agreement

Includes LPNs as of February 25th, 2025

Expires September 30th, 2027

Table of Contents

Step 1 Written Verbal Warning
Step 2 Written Warning #2
Step 3 Final Written Warning (may include unpaid suspension)
Step 4 Termination of Employment

Based on the nature and severity of the incident, the Employer may skip any steps or use none at all and move to termination for a first offense without notice or warning.

C. No “verbal counseling” discussion between an employee and a supervisor shall be deemed to constitute discipline under this Section. Accordingly, no such verbal counseling shall be considered a matter subject to the grievance and arbitration procedures. In contrast, a “verbal warning” shall be accompanied by a written notification placed in the employee’s personnel file. The verbal warning shall be considered part of the progressive disciplinary procedure.

D. The Employer recognizes the concept of progressive discipline and will endeavor to utilize a progressive discipline response in cases of inadequate work performance or violation of Employers’ workplace rules. However, the nature and severity of an offense will permit imposition of disciplinary action at any level of discipline up to and including discharge. In the event of a conflict, this Agreement will take precedence over Employer’s work rules. An employee may be represented by a Union Steward, staff representative, or other facility Union member of their choice if they choose to be represented in meetings called by the Employer that could reasonably result in disciplinary action, provided a Union Steward is available.

E. Whenever the Employer takes disciplinary actions against an employee, a copy of such actions will be given to the employee and the Union if requested. The Employers’ policy is that employees sign the disciplinary action copy, which shall constitute only an acknowledgment of receipt and not an admission of guilt. Failure to provide such copies shall not be subject to the grievance and arbitration procedures of this Agreement.

F. The Union, acting on behalf of any employee whom the Union believes to have been disciplined without just cause, shall have the right to appeal such discipline per the grievance and arbitration procedure set forth herein.

19.2 Progressive Discipline and Just Cause. The Employer shall have the right to maintain discipline and efficiency of its operations, including the right to discharge, suspend or discipline an employee for just cause while applying progressive discipline. The Employer’s Policies outline grounds for discipline or discharge, including immediate dismissal, provided such policies are not inconsistent with this Agreement. Any probationary employee may be discharged or disciplined by the Employer in its sole discretion. No question concerning the disciplining or discharge of probationary employees shall be the subject of the grievance or arbitration procedure.

19.3 Right to Union Representation. Discipline shall be imposed only in the presence of a Union Steward, except in those cases where the Steward may not be readily available, the employee chooses not to have Union representation, or the infraction for which a suspension or termination is imposed constitutes a very “serious offense” warranting summary action (i.e., assault, attack or threat of physical violence on fellow employees or management representatives, etc.). When a Union Steward is not present in such instances, the Employer will administer discipline and not question the employee and notify the Steward as soon as possible of the action taken. The Employer will inform employees of the right to have Union representation. Employees may choose not to have representation by indicating this on a form with language mutually agreed upon by the Employer and Union.

19.4 Corrective Action Process. Suppose a supervisor has reason to issue Corrective Action to a Bargaining Unit Employee. In that case, the supervisor shall make a reasonable effort to promptly implement the Corrective Action in private. All facility employees should treat each other with respect and dignity. Suppose any communication between a supervisor and a union member may lead to Corrective Action. In that case, the supervisor will notify the member and allow a reasonable opportunity for a Union representative of the member’s choice to join the subsequent discussion. During the discussion, the supervisor will inform the member why they are being investigated or issued Corrective Action while also identifying the specific Employer policy(s) supporting the Corrective Action. The supervisor may also have a witness join the conversation. In a situation involving the suspension of a member, the supervisor will also explain why the suspension will occur before the completion of the Employer’s due diligence regarding the determination of the Corrective Action. Suppose a supervisor suspends a member before completing an investigation that does not substantiate the initial allegation(s). In that case, the Employer will compensate the member for scheduled workdays missed due to the suspension, per the Employer’s pay practices.

19.5 Disciplinary Record. Copies of all discipline shall be given to the employee involved and the Union Steward. An employee has the right to attach their opinions to any disciplinary record in their file.

ARTICLE 20 – PERSONNEL RECORDS

20.1 Personnel Files. Personnel files are the Employer’s property. A Bargaining Unit Employee shall be permitted to examine all materials in their personnel file within three (3) working days of making such a request. The records may be reviewed in the presence of an Employer representative. The Bargaining Unit Employee may request in writing and will receive a copy of the personnel files within five (5) working days upon written request. “Working days” shall mean non-weekend/holiday days.

20.2 Disciplinary Materials and Evaluations. No Corrective Action, disciplinary material, or evaluations shall be placed in a Bargaining Unit Employee’s personnel file unless the employee has had an opportunity to review, sign and receive a copy. Signing a Corrective Action form constitutes acknowledgment of the document but does not necessarily represent agreement with the Corrective Action. Refusal to sign a Corrective Action does not invalidate the Corrective Action. An Employee has the right to attach a written statement to the Corrective Action expressing the employee’s views. Such a statement will be included with the Corrective Action in the employee’s personnel file.

20.3 Employee Forms. Employee corrective or disciplinary action written communication (“Forms”) shall not be removed from an Employee’s personnel file. Yet, such Forms that are more than eighteen (18) months old will not be considered by the Employer when contemplating further disciplinary action or when evaluating the job performance of the Employee under the principles of just cause and progressive discipline, unless such Forms relate to an Employee’s allegations of abuse, violence, theft, harassment, discrimination, or breaches of ethical conduct, which shall remain in effect indefinitely.

ARTICLE 21 – GRIEVANCE AND ARBITRATION PROCEDURE

21.1 Intent. The parties desire to resolve issues and conflicts informally and at the lowest level whenever possible. Employees have a right to Union Representation for any dispute arising out of this Agreement’s application. The employee is responsible for obtaining a Union representation to attend any investigatory, disciplinary, or grievance meetings. To the extent possible in a timely manner, the Employer shall honor the employee’s choice of representative unless such representative is involved in the dispute.

21.2 Grievance Defined. A grievance shall be defined as a claimed violation of a specific provision or provisions of this Agreement that is not expressly excluded from the grievance and arbitration procedure. Under this procedure, both the Union and the Employer can present a grievance to the other. However, the below procedure is written from the perspective of the Union submitting a grievance to the Employer. The settlement of a grievance by either party shall not constitute a precedent, unless mutually agreed to in writing. An employee may be assisted or represented by a representative of the Union at any step in the grievance procedure.

21.3 Grievance Time Limits. Time limits set forth in the following may only be extended by mutual written agreement between the Employer and the Union. A grievance must be filed in writing within thirty (30) calendar days of the event giving rise to the concern or the date the event became known or should have become known to the employee. Grievances regarding employee compensation shall be deemed to have occurred at the time payment is made or at the time when the payment was due but not made if that is the contention. Grievances over an employee’s eligibility for a benefit shall be deemed to have occurred when the Employer made such an employee benefit eligibility decision. Failure of the Employer to comply with the time limits set forth in the grievance procedure shall allow the employee or Union to advance the grievance to the next step of the grievance procedure within the time frames specified herein. Time limits are important. Failure of an employee or the Union to file a grievance as defined in this Section, in a timely basis, or to timely advance such a grievance, per the time limits outlined in the grievance procedure, will constitute their formal withdrawal of the grievance.

21.4 Optional Informal Discussion. An employee is encouraged to discuss a workplace concern with their supervisor. The Open-Door Concept is for an employee and a supervisor to discuss workplace concerns together. The Open-Door Concept is an informal way of resolving problems early, preserving working relationships, and promoting a productive work environment for all employees. To facilitate open communication and promptly resolve issues, employees are encouraged to bring any work-related questions or concerns to the Employer’s attention. The Employer welcomes such discussions because it allows the Employer to maintain a productive and harmonious atmosphere. Employees will not be subject to any adverse employment actions for raising good-faith concerns. Although an employee may contact any supervisor to discuss a problem or concern, the Employer recommends that employees resolve the situation first with their immediate supervisor. That person is generally in the best position to evaluate the situation and provide an appropriate solution. Suppose an employee is not satisfied with their supervisor’s decision, or the employee is uncomfortable discussing the issue with their immediate supervisor. In that case, the employee may go to the person that the immediate supervisor reports to. The employee may voice all such concerns verbally. The Employer will have fifteen (15) calendar days to respond to any issue raised through the Open-Door policy.

21.5 Step 1 Grievance Presented in Writing to Administrator. A grievance regarding an employee’s termination must be filed at step 1 within (10) calendar days of the discharge. Within thirty (30) calendar days after the employee knew or reasonably should have known of the cause of any grievance, an employee having a grievance, with the optional assistance of a Union representative, shall present it in writing to the Facility Administrator or authorized designee. The written grievance shall contain all of the following pertinent information:

  1. the specific Article(s) of this Agreement alleged to have been violated;
  2. a brief factual description of how the specific language of the identified Section(s) has been violated;
  3. the date of each alleged violation of the identified Section(s);
  4. the specific remedy requested for each alleged violation (i.e., if possible, describe how the grievant will be “made whole in every way”);
  5. the reason the response in the previous step is not satisfactory when appealing a grievance to the next step; and
  6. the names of the grievant(s) and union representatives presenting the grievance.

Violations of other contract Sections cannot be alleged after the written grievance has been submitted and accepted by the other party.

The Union representative and the administrator shall arrange a mutually agreeable date to meet within fifteen (15) calendar days from the Administrator’s receipt of the grievance to review and, where possible, attempt to settle the matter. The Administrator shall provide a written response to the written grievance within fifteen (15) calendar days following the grievance meeting. The Step 1 response will settle the matter unless appealed to Step 2. The written response will be provided to the employee and the union representative.

Suppose the Union has requested information from the Employer to which it is legally entitled and the Employer has not responded to the information request at least seventy- two (72) hours before the scheduled Step 1 grievance meeting. In that case, the Union shall have the option of postponing the hearing to a mutually agreeable date.

21.6 Step 2 Grievance Appeal. Suppose the Parties are unable to resolve the dispute at Step 1. In that case, the Union may appeal the grievance to Step 2. The Union has fifteen (15) calendar days from receipt of the Step 1 response or lack of response to notify the Employer’s designee (e.g., Administrator’s Supervisor, HR Consultant, Labor Attorney, etc.) in writing (e.g., an email) of the Union’s appeal of the grievance to a step 2.

Upon receipt of the written Step 2 grievance appeal, the Employer’s Designee and the Union’s Designee (e.g., Steward or Union Organizer, etc.) shall coordinate a Step 2 grievance meeting. The Employer’s Designated Leadership representative and the Union shall meet within fifteen (15) calendar days to conduct the Step 2 grievance meeting. The Designated Leader will provide a written response to the Union representative within fifteen (15) calendar days following the date of such meeting. The Employer’s Designees’ Step 2 response will resolve the matter unless the matter progresses to mediation or arbitration, as provided after this.

Suppose the Union has requested information from the Employer and the Employer has not responded to the request at least seventy-two (72) hours before the scheduled Step 2 grievance meeting. In that case, the Union shall have the option of postponing the hearing to a mutually agreeable date.

21.7 Optional Mediation. If a grievance is not resolved at Step 2, either party may request, in writing, within fifteen (15) calendar days of the Step 2 response or lack of response that the matter proceeds to mediation. The mediation process shall not interfere with the scheduling of an arbitration. Suppose the non-requesting party agrees to engage in optional mediation. In that case, the requesting party shall request a panel from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (“FMCS”) or another mediation group agreed to by the parties. The mediator shall be selected by alternate striking from the list until one name remains. The mediator shall have no authority to bind either party to an agreement.

21.8 Arbitration. If a grievance is not resolved at step 2 and the Parties have not entered into Mediation, the Union may appeal the issue to arbitration by providing written notice to the Employer’s Designee within fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of receipt of the Employer’s response, or lack thereof, to the step 2 grievance. No Party’s allegation of Agreement breach or claim for relief shall be eligible for arbitration unless the Party initially presented it timely per the procedure identified in the preceding sections. After the union has notified the Employer of an appeal to arbitration, the Union will initiate the Arbitrator Selection Process.

  1. Arbitrator Selection Process. Suppose the Employer and the Union have not mutually established a permanent panel of arbitrators. In that case, upon a timely demand for arbitration, the moving party must request a list within thirty (30) calendar days from the FMCS and notify the other party of having done so. The FMCS shall provide the parties with a list of nine (9) arbitrators. At least five (5) must have earned a Juris Doctor degree from the graduate program of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. Within seven (7) calendar days after receiving the list, the parties shall select the arbitrator by alternately striking names from the list. The last remaining name shall be the arbitrator. The party proceeding first in the striking of names procedure shall be determined by a coin toss.
  2. Arbitration Timelines. Once the Parties have appropriately selected an Arbitrator, they will schedule an arbitration date within sixty (60) calendar days or the earliest date that all parties are available. The Union and the Employer may, with mutual agreement, make procedural changes to the arbitration process given unique circumstances of individual cases. Before the arbitration hearing date, the Employer and Union will develop a stipulation of facts and use affidavits and other time-saving methods whenever possible. The arbitrator shall conduct the hearing in whatever manner will most expeditiously permit full presentation of the parties’ evidence and arguments. Any arbitrator accepting an assignment under this Article agrees to issue an award within thirty (30) calendar days of the close of the hearing or sixty (60) calendar days if post-hearing briefs are submitted.
  3. Arbitrator Award and Cost. Any dispute as to arbitrability may be submitted and determined by the arbitrator. The Arbitrator’s determination shall be final and binding. All Arbitrator decisions shall be limited to this Agreement’s terms and provisions. The Arbitrator shall have no authority to alter, amend, or modify the current Agreement. Unless otherwise provided in this Article, all costs, fees, and expenses of the Arbitration, including the cost of the Arbitrator, court reporter, hearing transcript (if requested by either party or the arbitrator), and any hearing room, shall be borne by the party whose position is not sustained by the Arbitrator. If the Arbitrator sustains neither party’s position in the Arbitrator’s sole opinion, the Arbitrator shall assess the preceding costs to each party on an equal basis. In addition, in all arbitrations, each party shall pay its own attorney’s fees and the cost of presenting its case, including any expert witnesses.
  4. Grievance/Arbitration Timelines. Except as otherwise indicated, the periods and limits provided herein shall be calculated as of the date of actual receipt. All notifications under this Article shall be sent by e-mail or certified mail or delivered by in-hand service. Such periods may be extended only by mutual written agreement of the Employer and the Union. In the absence of such an agreement, the time limits shall be mandatory.The failure of the aggrieved employee(s) or Union to properly present a grievance in writing initially, to process a grievance in any of the steps in the grievance procedure after that, or to submit the grievance to arbitration under the express time limits provided herein, shall automatically constitute a waiver of the grievance and bar all further action thereon.The failure of the Employer to submit a response in any of the steps of the grievance procedure or to meet with the Union Representative within such periods shall not constitute acquiescence to it or result in the sustaining of the grievance. The failure to so respond or meet shall be deemed a denial of the grievance as of the expiration date of the applicable adjustment period. Should the Union desire to pursue the grievance further, within fifteen (15) calendar days of such expiration date, it may submit the grievance to the next step of the Grievance and Arbitration Procedure.
  5. Email communications shall be deemed to satisfy requirements that items be “in writing.” Email communications shall be considered “submitted” or “delivered” as the date- stamp on the recipient’s email. Parties are responsible for verifying the accuracy of email addresses when using email for communications required to be in writing.
  6. The parties agree that the arbitrator shall accept a written statement signed by a resident or patient in place of their sworn testimony. Both parties shall have equal access to such written statements. Such documents shall carry the same force and effect as if the resident, patient, or family member appeared to provide live testimony. The parties agree that neither shall call a resident or patient as a witness, and the arbitrator shall not consider the failure of the resident to appear as prejudicial.

21.9 Grievance Procedure Summary Chart

Process Submission Timeline Submission Process Grievance Meeting Schedule Employer Response Timeline
Optional Informal Discussion As soon as possible. Verbal or written discussion with immediate supervisor or other Employer representative. As soon as possible. Verbal response to the grievant and/or Union representative within 15 calendar days of the informal discussion.
Step 1 Within 30 calendar days of the issue occurred or when the employee learned about it or received a response to the optional informal discussion. Written (often via email) grievance issued to facility administrator. Step 1 grievance meeting must occur with administrator within 15 calendar days of the Employer’s receipt of the written grievance. Written response to the Union and grievant within 15 calendar days of the step 1 grievance meeting.
Step 2 Within 15 calendar days of receipt of the Employer’s response (or lack of response) to move a grievance from Step 1 to Step 2. Written (often via email) notice of Step 2 escalation to HR Director. A step 2 grievance meeting must occur with HR Director within 15 calendar days of the Employer’s receipt of the Step 2 notification. Written response to the Union and grievant within 15 calendar days of the informal discussion.
Optional Mediation The Union has 15 calendar days file for optional mediation. Union notifies FMCS and the HR Director in writing As soon as possible. Does not interfere with arbitration filing or scheduling dates.
Arbitration The Union has 15 calendar days to file a step 2 grievance from the Employer’s response (or lack thereof) to move a step 2 grievance to arbitration. Union notifies Employer’s HR Director in writing and notifies FMCS Within 60 days of selection of the arbitrator, or as soon a the arbitrator’s schedule allows.
StepsNACNACNA On-CallCMA & Restorative AidesCMA On-CallDietary Aide, Housekeeper, Laundry Aide, Ward Assistant, Assistant Cook/ChefCook/ChefSocial Services Assistant, HIM Assistant, Recreation Assistant, Maintenance Assistant, Van Driver, Central Supply Clerk, Secretary
0$21.69$21.89$24.21$24.02$25.39$19.57$20.45$20.83
1$22.52$24.83$24.67$26.01$20.20$21.06$21.44
2$23.14$25.53$25.36$26.74$20.75$21.64$21.87
3$23.71$26.17$25.99$27.41$21.25$22.16$22.29
4$24.29$26.82$26.64$28.10$21.75$22.69$22.71
5$24.88$27.50$27.31$28.82$22.28$23.25$23.13
6$25.50$28.19$28.00$29.55$22.81$23.81$23.56
7$26.14$28.91$28.71$30.30$23.37$24.39$23.98
8$26.79$29.64$29.44$31.09$23.94$25.00$24.40
9$27.47$30.41$30.19$31.89$24.52$25.62$24.82
10$28.16$31.19$30.96$32.71$25.13$26.25$25.25

The 10-1-24 wage scale represents a 3% increase in pay over the 10-1-23 scale to every step and for every job classification. As of 10-1-24, any employee who is paid above the 10-1-23 step 10 pay rate shall receive the full value of the wage increase.

StepsNACNACNA On-CallCMA & Restorative AidesCMA On-CallDietary Aide, Housekeeper, Laundry Aide, Ward Assistant, Assistant Cook/ChefCook/ChefSocial Services Assistant, HIM Assistant, Recreation Assistant, Maintenance Assistant, Van Driver, Central Supply Clerk, Secretary
0$21.91$22.11$24.45$24.26$25.64$19.77$20.65$21.03
1$22.74$25.08$24.92$26.27$20.40$21.27$21.66
2$23.38$25.79$25.61$27.01$20.96$21.86$22.09
3$23.95$26.43$26.25$27.68$21.46$22.38$22.51
4$24.53$27.09$26.90$28.38$21.97$22.92$22.94
5$25.13$27.78$27.58$29.11$22.50$23.48$23.37
6$25.76$28.47$28.28$29.85$23.04$24.05$23.79
7$26.40$29.20$28.99$30.61$23.60$24.63$24.22
8$27.06$29.94$29.73$31.40$24.18$25.25$24.64
9$27.74$30.71$30.49$32.21$24.77$25.87$25.07
10$28.44$31.50$31.27$33.04$25.38$26.52$25.50

The 7-1-25 wage scale represents a 1% increase in pay over the 7-1-25 scale to every step and for every job classification. As of 7-1-25, any employee who is paid above the 10-1-24 step 10 pay rate shall receive the full value of the wage increase.

StepsNACNACNA On-CallCMA & Restorative AidesCMA On-CallDietary Aide, Housekeeper, Laundry Aide, Ward Assistant, Assistant Cook/ChefCook/ChefSocial Services Assistant, HIM Assistant, Recreation Assistant, Maintenance Assistant, Van Driver, Central Supply Clerk, Secretary
0$22.57$22.77$25.18$24.99$26.41$20.36$21.27$21.67
1$23.42$25.83$25.66$27.06$21.01$21.91$22.31
2$24.08$26.56$26.38$27.82$21.59$22.51$22.75
3$24.67$27.23$27.03$28.51$22.11$23.05$23.19
4$25.27$27.90$27.71$29.23$22.63$23.61$23.63
5$25.89$28.61$28.41$29.98$23.18$24.18$24.07
6$26.53$29.33$29.12$30.74$23.73$24.77$24.51
7$27.19$30.08$29.86$31.52$24.31$25.37$24.94
8$27.87$30.84$30.62$32.34$24.90$26.01$25.38
9$28.58$31.63$31.41$33.17$25.51$26.65$25.82
10$29.30$32.45$32.21$34.03$26.14$27.31$26.26

The 10-1-25 wage scale represents a 3% increase in pay over the 10-1-24 scale to every step and for every job classification. As of 10-1-25, any employee who is paid above the 7-1-25 step 10 pay rate shall receive the full value of the wage increase.

StepsNACNACNA On-CallCMA & Restorative AidesCMA On-CallDietary Aide, Housekeeper, Laundry Aide, Ward Assistant, Assistant Cook/ChefCook/ChefSocial Services Assistant, HIM Assistant, Recreation Assistant, Maintenance Assistant, Van Driver, Central Supply Clerk, Secretary
0$23.24$23.45$25.94$25.74$27.21$20.97$21.91$22.32
1$24.13$26.61$26.43$27.87$21.64$22.57$22.98
2$24.80$27.36$27.17$28.65$22.24$23.19$23.43
3$25.41$28.04$27.85$29.37$22.77$23.74$23.88
4$26.02$28.74$28.54$30.11$23.31$24.31$24.34
5$26.66$29.47$29.26$30.88$23.87$24.91$24.79
6$27.33$30.21$30.00$31.66$24.45$25.52$25.24
7$28.01$30.98$30.76$32.47$25.04$26.13$25.69
8$28.71$31.76$31.54$33.31$25.65$26.79$26.15
9$29.43$32.58$32.35$34.17$26.28$27.45$26.60
10$30.17$33.42$33.18$35.05$26.93$28.13$27.05

The 10-1-26 wage scale represents a 3% increase in pay over the 10-1-25 scale to every step and for every job classification. As of 10-1-26, any employee who is paid above the 10-1-25 step 10 pay rate shall receive the full value of the wage increase.

Appendix A: LPN Wage Scales

StepsLPNLPN On-Call
0$36.50$43.00
1$37.50$44.00
2$38.50$45.00
3$39.50$46.00
4$40.50$47.00
5$41.50$48.00
6$42.50$49.00
7$43.50$50.00
8$44.50$51.00
9$45.50$52.00
10$46.50$53.00
11$47.50$54.00
12$48.50$55.00
13$49.50$56.00
14$50.50$57.00
15$51.50$58.00

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