Civilian Performance Planning Review - consultation ongoing.

Employment Equity Action Plan - Business Plans are now being developed to include the Employment Equity Action Plans. It was identified that very few Bargaining Agents/unions have actually been consulted in the field. Sister Chamberlain stated that LFCAHQ had consulted with UNDE Ontario Region but could not respond to the rest of the country. Ms Miron thanked Sister Debbie for her recommendations and suggestions stating that they have been incorporated.

Free Flu Shots - MARPAC - The DGER representative reported that Health Canada funded this initiative in the past but does not fund it anymore and the Base Commander has also decided not to fund it. It is a provincial issue, however, the Deputy Minister (DM) can approve individual requests through the respective chain of command.

Medical/Dental Initiatives - DGRCHRS stated that this item has been removed from the agenda based on agreement with UNDE because it will be addressed at the CFMGHQ/UNDE/PIPSC LMRC.

Mentoring Program. Included in this report.

MOSART IM/IT Functional Analysis. According to the UNDE POC, this does not impact on UNDE members.

Official Languages Policy Plan. Most presentations are received one copy in French and one copy in English - this presentation was presented in true bilingual format. Download presentation in Powerpoint

The Official Languages Policy is the first to be reviewed under the 2002 Treasury Policy Review Process. Phased-in implementation will commence on 1 April 2004. The perspective impact on UNDE members will be that to be staffed into a true bilingual position, the person MUST BE bilingual BEFORE they can qualify and be staffed into the bilingual position. Exceptions can be made in the rarest of circumstances, but again, the person will have to be qualified bilingual before they can assume the new position. In the past, persons have had the right to apply for bilingual positions and receive training when they did not meet the language requirements. As of February 1, 2004 there are 717 bilingual positions in DND.

Questions UNDE asked:

How does the department intend to implement this change in policy when only 7% of Canadians outside of Quebec speak French? How will DND ensure no discrimination to members with one language only, ie, will language training be made available? Other Bargaining agents also voiced the concern that employees in favor with their supervisor would be at an advantage to receive language training.

LCol Armstrong agreed that training capacity is a concern. Language training must be integrated into an employee's career plan. He stated that the majority of the bilingual positions in DND are located in Quebec and that DND anticipates an adequate pool outside of Quebec.

ADM HR Civ stated that we will look at what training is available now and means of delivery. What is required?

DAOD on Accommodation of Needs

DGER representative Anne-Marie Giannetti and Union Representative Desmond Rogers (CO-Chairs of the Co-Development Committee for the DAOD) jointly provided an update on the disposition of the DAODs 5015-0 Accommodation of Needs and 5015-WA Workplace Accommodation that were co-developed over the last year. The DAOD's are now being reviewed by stakeholders throughout the department with an expectation date of Spring 2004 for Ministerial approval. Download presentation in Powerpoint

Civilians on International Operations

DGER representative, Susan Harrison, reported that historically deployed civilians have been within the Defence Scientists and Ship Repair groups. A "draft" policy will be created and then shared with the unions for comment. Sister Chamberlain identified that the only persons being consulted at this time (as indicated in the slide) were Management representatives--why are the unions not included at the consultation table now? DGER stated that the unions would be consulted once the draft policy has been developed. Download presentation in Powerpoint

DGER stated that other government departments (OGD) have been canvassed, however, no other OGD has a decision-making framework with regards to the deployment of civilian employees - including PSP. The CANCAP contractor has also been approached.

The military foreign instruction has been adopted at the NJC and now applies to civilians with regards to benefits.

A question was asked in regards to "captive time" - the response was that each case would be looked at as circumstance arose.

Note: UNDE has long argued that our members should be afforded the opportunity to deploy in support roles versus a contractor (ie, CANCAP). Once consultation with the unions proceeds, this issue will have to be revisited.

HR Modernization Update

DGER representative, Rick Sullivan, provided hard copies of the Human Resources Management Structure before Public Service Modernization Act (PSMA) and now. View facsimile of handout in Acrobat

He stated that the three priorities of the Public Service Human Resources Management Agency of Canada so far have been (1) stand up of the agency; (2) implementation of PSMA; and (3) develop and implement Whistle-Blowing legislation. Other issues being dealt with are the realignment of departments and funding.

The Union/Management Advisory Council (UMAC) is now in place. The majority of the consultation taking place at this time is at the corporate (TB) level. Consultation within DND will commence as the process unfolds.

The DND PSMA Implementation plan is a living document that is continually changing and adjusting.

Well-Being Framework

DGER Representative Jennifer Cornfoot provided an update on the department's Well-Being Framework that is a program established to try and integrate the many different well-being services available in the department. During the last 6 months many focus groups have been held with the many stakeholders (unions, EAP, Environments, HR staff etc) in an attempt to accomplish this task. Although optimistic, the department plans to have an effective communication plan in place by Sep 04. Download presentation in Powerpoint

DM Sub-committee on Co-Development

DGER representative, Susan Harrison, was surprised that UNDE had submitted this item since Sister Chamberlain was a member of the committee and co-chair. Sister Chamberlain responded that she had just recently assumed the co-chair position with Brother Taylor's departure and previously, as a committee member, she was responsible to the UNDE membership. Her intent on the submission of this agenda item was to ensure that all bargaining agents were aware of the outcome of the committee deliberations and that all bargaining agents had an opportunity to comment on behalf of their constituency. Some bargaining agents indicated that they had not seen the documents in question and Sister Chamberlain committed to sending the documents to them.

Human Resources Plan

Adm HR Civ COS, Carole Jolicouer, stated that Human Resources Plan is called "Horizon 1" and was well distributed two years ago, all the HRBMs have it and administration and implementation is the responsibility of the Level 1's.

Accidents While Operating DND Vehicles

The issue presented was forwarded by the UNDE National President as a result of comments made at various Regional Conferences. Captain V. Mancini, CF Provost Marshall's (CFPM) office, and MWO E. Rowsell, DLBM, addressed the committee to respond to UNDE's concerns.

CFPM confirmed that Crown insurance covers accidents involving 'just' DND vehicles. He also confirmed that Military Police accident reports and computer files are NOT linked or accessible by outside DND agencies, including private insurance companies. However, because of provincial legislation [which varies from province to province] Military Police are required to file accident reports with the respective Department of Motor Vehicles - on forms dictated by those organizations. Using Nova Scotia as an example, CFPM stated that reports are required to be filed with the province when there is a death, injury or damages in excess of $1000. CFPM stated that it is possible that private insurance companies have access to the Department of Motor Vehicles' files.

This then raises the issue of privacy and what personal employee information is being provided to outside DND organizations. This issue is to be addressed by the CFPM with the Judge Advocate General's (JAG) office. CFPM committed to getting back to us once this meeting has taken place.

Way Ahead for the Federal Public Service

Sister Chamberlain advised the committee that this issue has resolved itself at this point in time - the Bargaining Teams are still meeting with Treasury Board and the freeze has been lifted. The agenda item was not removed so that the committee could be advised that PSAC would be conducting a strike vote over the coming month and that DND should dust off their strike protocol.