31 May 2004

UMCC HR Sub-Committee - Report

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

Acceptance of Minutes. Minutes of previous meeting were accepted with the identification that Debbie Graham had also attended the meeting on March 1, 2004 representing UNDE.

Old Business

Civilians on International Operations. Bargaining Agents were provided with a copy of the Director Civilian Compensation Services (DCCS) directive DCCS 6006-50.C which "outlines the protections under the current benefit plans civilian employees enjoy when deployed outside Canada."

Accidents While Driving DND Vehicles. This issue had been raised by UNDE at the previous meeting because some members were reporting that their personal vehicle insurance was being affected because of accidents that had occurred at work. The DND POC did not attend this meeting but this is a clip from an e-mail provided to the ADM HR Civ Staff and forwarded to me following the meeting:

Presentations

Pre-Qualified Pools (PQP) Update. Ms Jayne Field provided an update on the PQP initiative since its implementation in March 2003. She stated that at this time there is a pilot for CS2 (internal) and CS1 (external) only at 76 Communications Group. Because pool candidates are to be guaranteed a job offer, the number of pool candidates should be limited to ensure all can reasonably be placed within the two-year eligibility period.

To sum up, only CS classifications are being considered at this time. Management MUST respect the PQP unlike now where they can find an excuse to ignore eligibility lists. Pool candidates are all considered to have the same essential qualifications so placement is not done as it is now with eligibility lists, ie #1, #2, etc. Appointments are not appealable. However, an employee can appeal IF NOT offered a position before the two-year period has expired. The process for posting available positions internal and external will not change.

I asked what would happen if a person from the pool was offered a job but declined, would that negate their right to another offer? PQP candidates can decline a job offer, however, there is no guarantee that they would receive a subsequent offer.

Update on HR Modernization. Ms McCusker provided a quick update on the HR Modernization stating that the Co-Development Framework has been completed and would be formally presented for UMCC approval the afternoon of May 31 by herself and the Union Co-Chair Ms Chamberlain. And that now that co-development has been agreed to in principal, difference initiatives can be pursued. Ms McCusker identified that she has already entered into discussions with the UNDE on essential services.

It was identified that ADM HR Civ will be attending the Base Commanders' Forum in June to provide the Base Commanders with information on the upcoming changes. I questioned whether or not the appropriate representation would be at the Base Commanders' Forum considering that APS is fast approaching, no sense providing information to Managers that are posted.

Round Table

Ms Francine Miron, DGCESP/DGSPEC announced that she is moving to Montreal. In the absence of the ADM HR Civ (who had to leave early), Ms Miron reported that consultation on employment equity is continuing at the various levels and that several EE plans have been signed off. The Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) is conducting another review and are pleased with the progress being made within DND. DND has been made aware that they are now compliant with 8 of 12 requirements. I asked if Ms Graham had been made aware of the recent developments and was advised that everything is verbal at this point and that Ms Graham would be provided with any reports once received.

As always, questions/comments are welcomed.

Submitted electronically,

M.L. Chamberlain
UNDE VP Ontario/OPI Human Resources

Documents available for download:

Benefits to Civilian employees deployed outside Canada in support of the Canadian Forces on DCDS controlled international operations (Word)

March 2004 Meeting - Record of Decisions (Word)

Pre-Qualified Pools Update (Powerpoint)

Implementing the Modernization Act - Update (Powerpoint)