Canadian Forces Health Services

OPI - Mary Chamberlain

REPORT OF CFHS LMRC - 2 OCTOBER 2006

Subject meeting at the CFHS Headquarters attending by Mary Chamberlain and Brendalee Blaney.

Approval of the LMRC Terms of Reference: on hold pending PIPSC comments and approval. UNDE had previous consultation on the Terms of Reference.

Review of CFHS 1st Line Manager Positions: Ms Dupont, HRBM advised that there has been an ongoing review of 1st Line Manager functions to develop WDs to create public service positions to perform functions currently being done by the 3rd party service provider. Five generic WDs (AS 4 and AS 5) have been created to establish 20 public service positions.

Conversion of Calian Function to Public Service Functions: UNDE asked if the existing public service workforce be afforded the opportunity to compete for the positions? It was identified that the competitions would be external/internal advertised to run concurrently allowing the existing workforce a career advancement opportunity. UNDE requested that preference be given to successful candidates on the internal process before the external. The COS advised that CFHS would have preferred staffing with public service workers, however, they were forced to go to a 3rd party service provider when they could not staff certain positions, ie doctors and dentists. PIPSC raised a concern with regards to military personnel filling civilian positions. The COS advised that there is a shortage of military personnel also and cases of military filling civilian positions would be rare, for short periods of time and only for operational requirements.

Hospital Services Classifications: UNDE raised the 1991 CHRC decision that GS standards should not be used to classified HS functions. It had been hoped that UCS would resolve the differences. The HRBM advised that there is a DCCO staff member assigned specifically to CFHS, she will contact her. UNDE advised that the USO Classifications will also make contact with DCCO. This affects various medical environment functions: cleaning services, dental assistants, kitchen workers, and porters.

Local LMRCs: UNDE stated that PSMA legislation mandates LMRC forums wherever possible and also that UNDE believes in resolving issues at the lowest level possible. Does the CFHS structure and employee numbers support Local LMRCs? Response - there is a Local LMRC at the national headquarters and that various locations across the country are participating at Base LMRCs. A review will be conducted and provided to the unions.

Essential Services: UNDE advised the committee that designated positions in DND have been eliminated. In conjunction with the upcoming round of bargaining with Treasury Board, negotiations with DND managers on essential services will be required, protocol calling for Local, Regional and National negotiations. The process will start when Management identifies the essential services required. DGLRC will be developing the timelines, however, negotiations between UNDE/DND must be completed by May 31, 2007.

CFHS Structure: In response to UNDE’s question, the COS provided a briefing on the structure of the CFHS organization (download Powerpoint). A “Field Force Review” to address operational requirements should be complete by December 2006. 1 HS Group has no ministerial authority as yet. And the Health Services/Montfort Hospital partnering and new wing is expected to be complete by late 2007, early 2008.