Can an Article 99 hardship be used for a stepparent? Or will they only consider Biological parents?
From Article 26:
"For the purposes of this
Agreement, "family" is defined as the employee's father, mother, son,
daughter, brother, sister, grandparent, grandchild, uncle, aunt, cousin,
nephew, niece, husband, wife, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law,
daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, step-
father/mother/sister/brother/son/daughter, half-brother, half-sister, life or
domestic partner, and in loco parentis.
In loco parentis is defined as any individual who has day-to-day
responsibility for the care and financial support of a child or, in the case
of an employee, who had such responsibility for the employee when the
employee was a child. A biological or legal relationship is not necessary."
Article 99 says "dependent parent," but I'm sure you can argue the "in loco parentis" by citing the CBA's own definition.
You'd most likely (definitely) have to provide lay statements from a few family members saying this step-parent fits the criteria listed above. For example, my dad (step-dad) married my mom in '97 when I was nine years old (I'm 35 now) and assumed the role of dad. It would be very easy to obtain documentation regarding that and I'd probably provide a marriage certificate as well.
Hope this helps.