April 26, 2007

CFHA UMCC

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The following items were discussed at the CFHA UMCC.

Grievance and Appeal Statistics. CFHA HR Manager, Kevin Marchand, gave an update on the grievance and appeal statistics. There are currently four (4) staff relations grievances: one (1) at Level 2 and three (3) at Level 3. UNDE requested confirmation of the grievance levels within CFHA citing that there appears to have been a change from past practice. The CEO stated that it is CFHA’s hope to resolve issues at the lowest level possible, encouraging consultation.

1st Level – General Manager Housing Operations
2nd Level – CFHA CEO
3rd Level – DGLRC

Workplace Assessment Implementation Update. CEO announced that CFHA has been selected as a NQI pilot for the Healthy Workplace Environment Program in the NCR, incorporating the workplace assessment recommendations. This initiative is fully supported by the VCDS and ADM (IE).

UNDE asked if the Workplace Assessment Implementation Committee is still in place, and the response was yes.

Exclusion of Housing Managers. UNDE presented an email from a Housing Manager soliciting support from Housing Managers across the country to have the Housing Manager positions excluded. UNDE stated that the person sending the email may be personally motivated considering their current status with the union, however, the email was sent from an employer’s email account, on an employer’s computer; using an official signature block, giving the impression that CFHA supports the exclusion of these positions. UNDE stated that this is an issue that raises its head on a regular basis and that it has never really been discussed amongst the persons that make these decisions. UNDE’s position is that the responsibilities assigned to the Housing Managers do not meet the criteria for exclusion. Further that some UNDE members in these positions have contacted UNDE stating that they do not wish to be excluded.

Mr Marchand stated that CFHA has contacted DGLRC their opinion, however, the OPI is away for a couple of weeks. CFHA agreed that an exclusion of these positions is not warranted at this time considering the current structure and duties of the Housing Managers. However, all functions and responsibilities will be reviewed under the proposed new structure. UNDE responded that, based on past discussions of the reorganization, the excluded position might be warranted at the regional level depending on the responsibilities.

CFHA Reorganization. The CEO advised that the review is ongoing (Phase 1). He intends to continue his face to face meetings at as many sites as possible to receive employee comments. A special LMRC meeting will be called in the fall to consult on Phase 2.

UNDE advised that they had received the slide deck from the last corporate townhall and a verbal report from the UNDE Local President in attendance. UNDE thanked the CEO for continuing the open communications with regards to the restructuring.

In closing, the CEO and the unions thanked Mr Marchand for his continued support to labour relations and wished him well in his new position at Treasury Board.

Next Meeting: November 2007 (date to be confirmed).

M.L. Chamberlain
Executive Vice President

Following the LMRC, the CEO and UNDE EVP met to negotiate the essential service positions for the CFHA organization. Using the past designations as a starting point, Management requested an additional code 1 CR in the larger locations. UNDE countered that the previous agreement of one CR per office did not impose a hardship on the organization and that there was no need for an additional code 1. UNDE identified that the requested CR 5 positions’ key activities did not identify the specified essential service. Management confirmed that the CR 5s are in fact performing the identified functions in addition to their day-to-day activities. The CEO committed to review and revise the WDs to reflect those duties. In the end, 26 code 1 positions (6 – CR 5s and 20 – CR 4s). No code 2s (alternates) were agreed to.

No positions/functions at the corporate level of CFHA were deemed to be essential.

I will forward the final list of positions to the UNDE VPs once received.

UNDE Table 3 members should be reminded of their obligations in the event of strike activity.