Hi, I was in the union for three years, Then moved to the…

Hi,

I was in the union for three years, Then moved to the Supervisor position for two years. Now I am coming back to the Union position.Many of my union colleauges are saying that I will loose my seniority.

I checked the collective agreement b/w Union and the Company it says as following article:--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

14.02 "Seniority" means an employee's total length of employment with company computed in years,months and days from the date of employment. Seniority shall be applied in determining preference for promotions, demotions, lay-offs, recall from lay-offs and vacation entitlement. An employee shall lose his seniority and his employment:

a) If he is discharged for cause
b) If he voluntarily quits or retires
c) If he fails to report to the company within three working days after the termination
of leave of absence.
d) If he fails to report to work following a lay-off within three working days after being
notified by registered mail to report to work.
e) If he is laid off for the length of his service up to twelve (12) months
f) If an employee is absent without company approved leave of absence for three(3) consecutive working days.
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Now if the union does not accept my seniority, where do I stand according to the above mentioned article?

Can I fight for my seniority? There is no other clause or article in the agreement beside above mentioned. Can the union use any other document beside the collective agreement or can they use any older and expired agreement which could have anything else.....as all the contracts are for three years term.
If I fight my case legally would it be costly?

By the way Management has no problem with my seniority and my HR director told me
according to the article's wording he does not see why I should loose my seniority. He says it is beetween union and myself.

I would be very gratefull for your guidance......and will be waiting for your reply.

Regards.