Article 13
Employee Assistance Program

Section 1. Genera

a. Management agrees to continue the DOL Employee Assistance Program (programs for employees troubled by alcoholism, drug abuse, emotional illness, or other personal problems that may affect job performance) and to make employees and supervisors aware of the program.
b. Management will, at least annually, make employees aware of the Employee Assistance Program and available services provided under it.

Section 2. Union-Management Cooperation

The parties recognize alcoholism, drug abuse, and emotional illness as treatable health problems that may affect job performance. They agree to cooperate fully in efforts to rehabilitate employees who accept assistance made available under provisions of this program and also recognize that the program is designed to deal forthrightly with problems at an early stage.

Section 3. Union Participation in Program Training

A designated Union representative from each Agency will be invited to attend seminars, workshops, conferences or training sessions designed to acquaint employees with the program and its operation.

Section 4. Use of Sick Leave

Employees undergoing a prescribed program of treatment will be granted sick leave for this purpose on the same basis as any other illness when absence from work is necessary.

Section 5. Relationship to Disciplinary and Adverse Action

If an employee requests assistance and participates in the program, the responsible supervisory official must weigh this fact in determining any appropriate disciplinary and adverse action, and may postpone such action.

Section 6. Union Responsibility

This Article shall not be construed as a relinquishment by Local 12 of its responsibility to represent an employee, upon request, in connection with personnel actions arising from alleged alcoholism, drug abuse, emotional illness, or other personal problems.