ADDENDUM TO THE 2007-08 EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK
Introduction: The following policies, Freedom of Association and the Independent Monitoring Program are being included as an addendum to your First Student 2007-08 Employee Handbook. Please maintain this addendum with your current handbook.
A. Freedom of Association (FOA)
First Student supports human rights and the individual rights of its employees, including an employee's right to associate themselves with a labor union if they so choose. Though not an exhaustive list, management at First Student supports an employee's right to:
Our objective is to manage our business in support of our employees and the above rights and to refrain from management conduct, whether written or verbal, which is intended to influence an employee's view or choice with regard to labor union representation. In particular, during union organizing campaigns, management shall support the employee's individual right to choose whether to vote: or against union representation without influence or interference from management.
Our policy states that management shall not act in any way which is or could reasonably be perceived to be anti-union. This includes refraining from fliers, letters, posters or any other communication which could be interpreted as criticism of the union or advises employees to vote "no" against the union. However, we believe that employees should be able to make an informed choice and therefore management may provide balanced factual information to assist its employees in making that choice.
Intimidation or harassment of employees or any other unlawful activity is strictly prohibited. At all times we will follow the rules and regulations as set out by the National Labor Relations Board.
We operate our business on the simple philosophy of fairness and openness in all dealings with employees. You are encouraged to talk to anyone in management when you have a problem or concern. Your interest as well as that of our customers and clients will best be served by this method of open communication.
B. FOA Compliance Monitoring Program
First Student is committed to its Freedom of Association Policy (F0A) which recognizes employee freedom of association as a fundamental human right.
The Company has developed a Compliance Monitoring Program to insure that everyone at First Student complies with the FOA policy. This Program includes two parts: compliance oversight where observers provide oversight to the FOA policy during a union election and monitoring where an independent monitor will investigate allegations of violations of the policy. This program goes well beyond employee protections provided under the National Labor Relations Board requirements.
Compliance Oversight — Independent observers will be on-site during secret ballot elections to observe if the company's FOA policy is being followed. These observers are not employees of the company and will provide independent oversight of any union election process.
Observers may interview employees confidentially and prepare a report for FirstGroup in the U.K. Any reports will include recommendations for resolving any observed non-compliance.
Independent Monitor — the company has also named an Independent Monitor to investigate allegation of violations of the FOA policy.
Those wishing to file a complaint must submit a fully completed and signed Complaint Form to the monitor within 60 days of the alleged violation.
The monitor will investigate and report his findings to FirstGroup and the complaining party. The monitor will strive to complete his report within 30 days of the filing of the complaint.
Persons who may submit a Complaint Form to initiate investigations by the Independent Monitor include any employee of FirstGroup; a third-party representative of an employee or any representative of a labor union that represents or is seeking to represent employees of the Company.
Those who file a complaint should advise FirstGroup of any violation of the FOA policy as soon as it comes to their attention.
April 2008