April 13, 2006

CFHA UMCC - REPORT OF MEETING

UNDE was represented by Anne-Marie Lusignan and the EVP.

Although there was an agenda, topics from the previous meeting overlapped. The following represents the points of discussion.

CEO’s Approach to the Agency. The CEO, Allain Bastarache, opened the meeting with a brief background on his experience. He stated that he believes in consultation. He went on to say that since coming into the CEO position he has visited eight sites in the east, including the offices in Ontario. His intent is to visit all 26 sites before the end of July 2006. He has also met with all the Senior Department Representatives, including the MND, CDS, VCDS and Environmental Chiefs.

He explained that the urgency for the April 13 meeting is because he wanted to consult and explain the way ahead for CFHA because he has upcoming meetings scheduled with his staff. Although still in the analysis stages, there could be short, medium and long term impacts.

CFHA is in the final stages of transferring Rockliffe to the Canada Land Corporation. What will be the impacts? No decisions have been made as yet and the unions will be consulted as the process moves ahead. UNDE confirmed that there are currently nine employees at the site.

CFHA hired a consultant to review the Work Descriptions (WDs) of all the General Managers; this review has identified overlaps in responsibilities.

CFHA intends to conduct an overall review of the organizational design and linkages within CFHA and DND. A perspective consultant was identified to conduct the review. UNDE asked if this would be the process that would also include the review of the position language requirements. CEO responded that a review will be conducted, keeping in mind the requirements of the Official Languages Act and regional requirements. UNDE stated that it is understood that language requirements exist but that those requirements should not unnecessarily impede the career advancement of employees.

Return to Work (RTW). From the previous meeting, Mr Marchand confirmed that a review has revealed that there is no one within the CFHA organization on RTW.

Organization Charts. From the previous meeting, electronic copies of the organization charts were shared with UNDE. Mr Marchand distributed a hard copy of the revised organization charts which have been color coded to reflect perspective staffing actions.

Royal Lepage. From the previous meeting, CEO reiterated CFHA’s plan for “one window” service to cover all aspects of the military member’s move. He stressed that this is not a privatization exercise.

Update on Workplace Assessment. UNDE and the Workplace Assessment Action Committee Champion both reported that the committee is working well and has come up with several good short term recommendations which are pending CEO approval.

Mary Chamberlain reported that she will be stepping back from the committee because the committee is not the forum that UNDE had been led to believe it would be. UNDE feels that the participation of a UNDE representative, who is also an employee of CFHA, would be of more benefit to the members.

Grievances and Appeals. Mr Marchand provided an update on outstanding grievances and appeals: 3 Grievances – UNDE; 1 PSST Complaint – UNDE under the new PSEA; 1 Appeal – PIPSC under the old PSEA. Mr Marchand stated that the PSST Complaint was resolved in-house so it did not proceed to the tribunal.

CEO stated that although he could be mistaken, his perception is that grievances and appeals are encouraged by the unions vice consultation. UNDE stated that just as different managers have different approaches, so do labour representatives. UNDE confirmed that their obligation is to provide members with all the available information and advice, but that the final decision on how to proceed rests with the member. UNDE confirmed that there is no policy; however, it is fair to say that the majority of UNDE representatives believe in, and encourage, the consultative approach. PIPSC echoed this attitude.

CF Members’ Ability to Apply on Internal Processes. From the previous meeting. Mr Marchand distributed a copy of the newly released DCEP Bulletin which addresses this issue. CEO stated that the changes to the PSEA will not affect the transparency and fairness of the competitive process. UNDE and PIPSC again reiterated their concerns about the changes to the PSEA and the impact it will have on the career advancement of their members.

CF Transformation. From the previous meeting. CEO stated that the Conservatives are reviewing their election promises which included the increase to the regular and reserve personnel. This could have an impact on CFHA in that an increase of resources to support the influx of new troops. UNDE asked how this could affect the Public Service workers who rent PMQs. CEO responded that the priority is to the military personnel.

LMRC Enhancement Training for Local (Corporate Headquarters) LMRC. UNDE provided the name of the UNDE representative for the Local LMRC. The need for the training will be revisited.

Next Meeting: In accordance with the Terms of Reference of Reference for the CFHA UMCC to meet twice a year, it was decided that the next meeting will be in October 2006 (date to be confirmed).

M.L. Chamberlain
Executive Vice President