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Canadian Forces Health Services

OPI - Mary Chamberlain

REPORT OF CFHS LMRC – 3 April 2008

UNDE EVP welcomed everyone to the meeting, followed by an introduction of committee members. The PIPSC attended by phone from Halifax.

The January 24, 2008 meeting minutes were accepted as presented (Word). The agenda was accepted as presented.

Old Business

LMRC Training. CFHS HRBM reported that LMRC Enhancement Training is very looked at for various sites and that it is planned for the NCR for three-days in June 2008 (dates to be confirmed). The PIPSC representative expressed concern that the training appears to be geared towards UNDE and suggested that perhaps the JLP would be an option. UNDE EVP explained that this perception might exist but that is because UNDE – in concert with DND – was instrumental in creating the LMRC process at the initial stages in DND and that UNDE has continued to consult on and promote the training package over the years. UNDE EVP stated that JLP would not be an option in all areas of the country because JLP is a negotiated program between TB and the PSAC and some Locals enforce this in their workplace when JLP training is offered and do not support the participation of other unions. UNDE EVP added that regardless of union affiliation or management, there is value in the DND LMRC Enhancement training program for everyone. UNDE EVP asked for a status report on the direction to the clinics reference the establishment of Local LMRC Committees (three meetings ago) and the subsequent guidance that was to be developed in lieu of training (last meeting). UNDE was advised that the direction to establish local committees in the clinics was issued with the support of the COS but that the guidance document is still pending. UNDE asked for a copy of the documents.

No information has been received in regards to UNDE’s previous question (last meeting) about the LMRC training conducted at the clinic in Kingston.

OAG Report. PIPSC again raised a concern addressed in the OAG Report in reference to the number of Public Service employees versus contract workers in CFHS. The COS stated that the services must be provided and that, unfortunately, not all the contract service providers are willing to accept a public service position because of the TB offered salaries. The HR representative stated that there is currently an external advertised process ongoing and that management has also been advised of the non-advertised staffing process.

PIPSC raised a specific staffing issue and following some discussion it was decided that the concern should be raised at the local LMRC to allow the local manager an opportunity to address the question before raising it to corporate. Committee Terms of Reference (TORs). The PIPSC representative raised concerns in regards to the TORs. Following some discussion, it was confirmed that all bargaining agent representatives attending the CFHS LMRC had an opportunity to comment on the current TORs and that PIPSC’s concerns were addressed in the current TORs.

New Business

Contractors to Public Service: (addressed above under OAG Report)

Generic Job Descriptions: PIPSC raised a concern that the generic WD for the Social Workers did not reflect all aspects of the job responsibilities resulting in an inappropriate classification level. UNDE EVP explained the process used to successfully resolve a national “generic” WD issue within a workplace represented by UNDE. HR advised that a generic WD is not designed to capture every detail of the work performed. After some discussion it was agreed that the issue should be addressed by the affected individuals with their respective managers, HRs and union representatives. Concerns/discussions/ options can then be forwarded up the respective lines of communications.

Round Table

The COS identified that the RX2000 initiative could possibly result in a WFA situation. CFHS HRBM stated that all options are being considered for those employees that may be affected. UNDE EVP asked how many positions were anticipated to be affected and when the WFA would occur? The response was approximately 12 over the coming two to three years.

Next meeting – June19, 2008 (PIPSC to chair)

Questions/comments welcomed.

In solidarity,

Mary Chamberlain