Each month, our advocates answer your questions about workplace challenges, the AD 10 policies, and how they're applied. Questions? Submit them anonymously here. These questions will be answered in a monthly advocacy corner issue. For an immediate answer, please contact APSA.

Tracey Ferris

Hello, I'm Tracey Ferris, APSA's Senior Labour Relations Officer and an advocate on our Advocacy Committee. I'm answering your questions related to our AD 10 policies. 

Hi APSA, I'm not sure when I should contact you. What meetings or situations should I reach out to APSA about?

Thank you for the question. It's pretty normal when you haven't worked in an environment with employee groups to be unsure when to reach out to APSA. Here's a general guide to when it's a good time to contact APSA. Keep in mind that any discussions with APSA are completely confidential.

You should contact APSA in your workplace for situations involving:

  • Workplace conflicts or disputes: If you are experiencing problems with your supervisor, colleague, or another department, especially if it relates to your rights or treatment at work.
  • Harassment or discrimination: If you believe you have experienced or witnessed harassment, bullying, or discrimination in your workplace.
  • Disciplinary action: If you are facing disciplinary measures, such as a written warning, suspension, or termination. If you're called into a meeting with an HR rep, you have the right to ask that it be postponed until you can get an APSA rep, as the meeting may lead to disciplinary action.
  • Workplace policies and procedures: If you have questions or concerns about how policies are being applied or interpreted in your workplace.
  • Contract or working conditions: If there are issues regarding your employment contract, duties, hours of work, job classification, salary, or benefits.
  • Job postings, layoffs, or restructuring: If your position is being eliminated, you are being laid off, or there are changes in your department that affect your role.
  • Accommodation needs: If you require accommodation for medical reasons, religious observance, or other protected grounds. Or if you need advice on your health and wellbeing, and how that interacts with your terms and conditions of employment.

APSA is there to advise, support, and represent its members on matters relating to their employment, rights, and workplace issues. If you are unsure whether your situation is covered, it is always appropriate to reach out to APSA for confidential advice and guidance.

If you have any specific questions or concerns about your terms and conditions of employment, please contact APSA. Your call or email is confidential.