Regardless of the employer or the season, GSU staff representatives consistently handle calls from members who are stressed about receiving work-related calls during their time off, vacations, or sick leave.

In response, our representatives offer a straightforward piece of advice: if you’re not at work, on call or on standby, don’t answer the phone.

“You are not obligated to take or reply to calls when you are sick, enjoying your personal time away from work and not actively working for the company,” said GSU staff representative Mason Van Luven. “This fundamental principle is reinforced by collective agreements, empowering our members to maintain a healthy work-life balance and assert their right to uninterrupted time away from work obligations.”

Van Luven advises “Members need to use the latitude their collective agreement offers. If you don’t use it, you leave the door open for management not to respect it.”

GSU staff representatives work with you to find answers to your questions, recommend what course of action is best to follow, and find the solutions that work for you. Contacting GSU does not mean you are obligated to file a grievance. We are here to assist you in any way that we can, but we will not contact your employer, file a grievance or act on your behalf without consultation, direction and approval from you.