How does the phase system work?
If you work through a staffing agency, you have rights and obligations. The longer you work, the more rights you accrue. Staffing agencies use a tiered system for this, which is set out in the collective bargaining agreement for temporary workers. What does the tiered system mean for you, and how does it work?
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UBN follows the ABU's phase system, which consists of three phases: A, B, and C. The phase you're in depends on the number of weeks you've been working at the temp agency.
Please note: ABU’s tiered system changed in January 2022. If you start working as a temporary employee on or after January 3, 2022, the new system applies. If you started before that date, a transitional arrangement applies, and you will not be subject to the new system until 2023.
An Overview of the Phases
- Phase A: 52 (worked) weeks
- Phase B: up to 3 years
- Phase C: Indefinite
Phase A
When you start as a temporary worker, you enter Phase A. This phase lasts for 52 weeks during which you work. Every week you work counts toward this period, regardless of the number of hours. Starting January 2, 2023, weeks during which you take paid vacation will also count, regardless of how many vacation hours you take. Were you employed before January 3, 2022? If so, Phase A lasts 78 weeks. After that, you move on to Phase B.
If you have worked in Phase A for more than 52 weeks, you must give 10 days' notice before you can end your assignment. At UBN, you receive 4-week contracts in Phase A that are automatically renewed.
Suspension of Work on Phase A
Sometimes you can’t go right back to work when a contract ends. If you’re out of work for less than 25 weeks, the weeks you’ve worked will still count. The staffing agency will then continue counting from where you left off. The weeks you worked for another staffing agency also count.
Please note: If you are out of work for more than 6 months between two temporary employment contracts, you will start over in Phase A of the phase system.
Phase B
Will you return to work at the same staffing agency immediately after Phase A or within six months? If so, you will enter Phase B. Phase B lasts 3 years. During this period, you may be offered a maximum of six contracts. Were you already working before January 3, 2022? If so, Phase B lasts 4 years.
In Phase B, you agree on a set number of hours. For example, if you have a contract for 20 hours per week but there isn’t enough work, you’ll still be paid for 20 hours. Your set hours are the minimum for which you’ll be paid.
Suspension of Work on Phase B
The end date of your contract is when the count begins. If you do not work for 26 weeks, your Phase B contract expires. If you then return to work for the temp agency, you will start over in Phase A.
Phase C
In Phase C, you will receive a permanent contract. You will no longer receive new contracts because you already have a permanent contract.
Suspension of Work on Phase C
Your Phase C contract expires if you stop working for the temp agency for more than 6 months. If you return to work for the temp agency after that, you’ll start over at Phase A.
Would you like to work as a temporary employee? Then take a look at our current job openings. At UBN, we’ll help you find a job that’s right for you, so you can start working with enthusiasm and energy.
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