Attendance & Miss Policy
Based on Appendix C and related provisions of the 2024–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement
Absenteeism Policy
Q: What counts as an absence?
Answer:
An absence includes:
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Sick leave
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Unexcused absence
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Off-duty injury
Absences are tracked on a rolling twelve (12) month period.
Q: What does NOT count as an absence?
Answer:
The following are not charged as absences:
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Bereavement leave
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Military leave
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Jury duty
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On-the-job injury
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Approved FMLA leave
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ADA leave
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Approved leave of absence
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Vacation
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Paid holidays
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Approved requests off
If any of these are being counted as an absence, refer to Appendix C.
Q: How does the progressive discipline system work?
Answer:
Absences are tracked on a rolling 12-month basis.
Progression typically follows this pattern:
1st instance – Recorded
2nd instance – Recorded
3rd instance – Caution
4th instance – Caution
5th instance – Counseling (possible 1-day suspension)
6th instance – Counseling (possible 2-day suspension)
7th instance – Counseling (possible 3-day suspension)
8th instance – Subject to discharge
Each new absence is measured against the previous twelve months.
Q: What does “rolling 12 months” mean?
Answer:
It is not based on calendar year.
Each absence remains active for twelve (12) months from the date it occurred.
After twelve months, it drops off.
Miss Policy
Q: What is a “Miss”?
Answer:
A Miss occurs when an employee:
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Fails to report to work, and
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Fails to notify management at least 30 minutes prior to report time.
Q: How is a Miss disciplined?
Answer:
Miss discipline is also tracked on a rolling 12-month period.
½ Miss – Verbal warning
1 Miss – Written warning
2nd Miss – 1-day suspension
3rd Miss – 2–3 day suspension
4th Miss – Subject to discharge
Two (2) half misses equal one (1) full Miss.
Street Miss Policy
Q: What is a Street Miss?
Answer:
A Street Miss relates to late pull-outs or failure to properly operate assigned service.
Under the Agreement:
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Up to 5 minutes late = ½ Street Miss
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More than 5 minutes late = ½ Street Miss
(Refer to Appendix C for exact language.)
Q: How is a Street Miss disciplined?
Answer:
One Street Miss may result in a three (3) day suspension.
Two Street Misses within a 12-month period may result in discharge.
Street Misses are tracked on a rolling 12-month basis.
Q: What is the difference between an Absence, a Miss, and a Street Miss?
Answer:
Absence – Failure to report due to sick or other qualifying reasons (subject to absenteeism progression).
Miss – Failure to report and failure to notify 30 minutes prior to report time.
Street Miss – Service-related late or failure to operate assignment properly.
Each has separate discipline structures.
Important Attendance Rules
Q: Does FMLA excuse me from the Miss policy?
Answer:
No. You must still follow call-in procedures even when on FMLA.
Failure to follow notification requirements may result in discipline.
Q: Do Sick/Elective days count as an absence instance?
Answer:
No. Sick/Elective days are not charged as an instance under the absenteeism policy.
Q: If I am unsure about my attendance record, what should I do?
Answer:
You may request clarification from management regarding your attendance status and rolling 12-month record.
Key Takeaways
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Attendance discipline is based on a rolling 12-month period.
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Different policies apply to Absences, Misses, and Street Misses.
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Proper call-in procedures are critical.
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Documentation matters.
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Understanding the difference between policies can prevent avoidable discipline.
Refer to Appendix C for full language.