24 January 2005

UMCC HR SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING

UNDE was represented at subject meeting by Vice President Ontario/OPI Human Resources and Anne-Marie Lusignan, USO (West).

Acceptance of Minutes. UNDE did not attend the previous meeting held 13 September 2004. I asked for confirmation that items at paragraphs 7 and 32 had been actioned. [Para 7] Ms Teckles stated that she believed that the Canadian Human Rights Commission Audit Report had been forwarded to Sister Debbie Graham but that she would confirm. [Para 32] The CRS review of the DND Harassment Policy has not started yet.

Minutes were adopted as presented. Click here for minutes in PDF.

Consultation on DAODs. Ms Harrison opened discussion on several "draft" DAODs that are under review with the upcoming implementation of the PSMA. The draft DAODs have been forwarded to all UNDE Vice-Presidents and the UNDE USOs for comment. A consolidated report will be forwarded to the department. The new DAODs will come into effect April 1, 2005.

Click here for the draft DAODs in PDF format.

Classification Renewal Guidelines. Ms Teckles provided a report on the changes to classifications with the implementation of PSMA. One of the changes is that a reclassification of more than one level without competition is now possible (effective July 2004). Classification Review Committees - comprised of Management representatives - are to be established across the Department. The question was asked, how will these Managers be selected? Or -- as past experience has shown -- will participation be based on assignment as a secondary duty? The area of selection for participating managers is: trained in classifications; has a knowledge of the field of work being reviewed; NO conflict of interest; two levels higher than the position being reviewed. Discussion arose around the use of generic word descriptions; it was explained that the generic models are intended to capture 85% of the position responsibility and the remaining 15% would not affect the classification outcome.

I explained that I recently was questioned on a reclassification where an employee recognized a pay increase of approximately 18%--does this mean that the 4% wage increase is not a consideration? Although Ms Teckles attempted to provide an explanation, I am still unable to understand the explanation well enough to share in this report. Ms Teckles' staff is preparing a response to the question.

Click here for the presentation in Powerpoint.

Civilian Recruitment and Staffing Strategy. A presentation was made on the proposed way ahead in recruitment and staffing. I was pleased to see the apprenticeship program identified. Discussions revealed that some of the figures quoted may not be accurate so the slide is being reviewed. Despite the positive approach to recruiting and staffing, there is NO guarantee that additional funding is forthcoming to pay to staff the positions.

There is $1.8M in the Recruitment Strategy Investment Fund (RSIF) that will be lost if not used by end-March 2006.

Click here for the presentation in Powerpoint.

Round Table

IBEW. Brother Lachance asked if anyone was facing a problem of "Bilingual Imperative" impacting on the classification level of various functions?

Ms Teckles responded that it depends on the region of the country where the position exists and the changes that came into effect to the Official Languages Act in 2004.

FGDC. Brother Courtney reminded the Committee members that Mr Williams is retiring soon and a new Champion will have to be found for EAP.

UNDE. I spoke of UNDE's disappointment of the lack of transparency and consultation that has occurred to date on the Army Support Restructure (ASR). Although I have personally been guaranteed involvement at the Area level in Ontario, that same level of commitment is not department-wide.

Next meeting is scheduled for 7 June 2005.

Questions and comments welcomed.

Fraternally,

submitted electronically,

M. Chamberlain
UNDE VP Ontario/OPI Human Resources