Collective Bargaining

Q: Does our collective bargaining agreement allow us to deny reasonable accommodations if they violate the agreement?

A: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits collective bargaining agreements from discriminating against people with disabilities. What the ADA does not do is give employers the right to violate a union contract to the detriment of another employee. The union and the employer must work together to think of accommodations that best meet the needs of all.