PROBATIONARY WORKER

An employee undergoing a trial period in order to establish a right to permanent status.

During the probationary period, the employee usually does not have seniority rights and may be discharged without cause, except where the discharge discriminates against an individual because of union membership or activity. The probationary period is designed to give the company an opportunity to find out whether the employee is qualified to carry out the work for which he or she was hired. During this period, an employee is paid a probationary rate that is below the permanent job rate.

A probationary employee must meet the performance standards for the position; the organization's standards for conduct and demonstrate suitability for the position and compatibility with peers and clients.