13 June 2000

Minutes of the 7th Meeting of the 1 CAD/UNDE
Labour Management Relations Committee

Co-Chairs
BGen E.A. Findley, A1
Mr. B. Molsberry, UNDE VP Man/Sask

Secretary
Ms. W. Carter, A/A1 CHRM

Members
Col J.Y.D. Gosselin, A4 AE
Col G. Morey, A7 (absent)
Col. J.M. Westrop, A1 Pers
LCol W.C. Hussey, A5 Compt (absent)
Mr. P. Turcq, UNDE VP QC
Ms. D. Graham, UNDE VP Nfld/Lab/NB

Presenters
LCol Russell, A4 LSR
Maj T. Auger, A5 Compt
LCol R.J. Palmer, WAdmin O
LCol R.A. Schwab, A7
Mr. B. Thistle, D Air CMS
Maj Barlow, A1 Coord
Ms. D. Joudrey, A1 CHRWM

Observers
BGen Johnson, A4
Ms. F. Bambenek, A1 CHRP
Ms. G. Henry, CHRPC

Introduction

1. A1 and UNDE VP Man/Sask opened the meeting at 0815. A1 updated the members regarding the personnel changes that will be taking place in 1 CAD and CAS. A1 also welcomed A4 and VP QC to the meeting. A4 will be assuming the role of DG Air Pers. VP Man/Sask indicated that UNDE is very concerned about the SSR projects that are anticipated over the next 4 years. UNDE's frustrations regarding the inability of the 1 CAD LMRC to deal with strategic issues continue.

Outstanding Business

2. The previous minutes of 19 November 1999 and briefing notes of 15 February 2000, were reviewed, and the following amendments were made to the minutes from the briefing notes document 6009-21 (A1) 29 February 2000:

a. Para 6 - The dates for the meeting between should be 5 - 6 April vice 26 April 00; and

b. Para 7 - 3) should read: CH 149 Cormorant - civilian impact could be realized, however the number of employees who may be affected is not known at this time.

3. Discussion regarding para 13 of 6009-21 (A1) 29 February 2000 A4 & ensued and it was agreed that a 1 CAD representative accompany the VP QC UNDE representative to visit the location.

4. A1 CHRM provided information on LMRC Enhancement Training. Atlantic region will conduct a pilot session. The Train the Trainer session is planned for 12 - 13 September 2000. The PSAC training package, Learning your Collective Agreement, is still under review.

New Business

5. CAS Role in the 1 CAD LMRC - A1 stated that 1 CAD LMRC will A1/A4 continue to function at the 1 CAD level as the CAS position is that strategic DG Air issues are dealt with at the UMCC. This position is in line with the other Pers CC's. VP Man/Sask indicated that the union position is that UMCC is not dealing with many strategic issues and are pushing them back to the "intermediate" LMRC. It was agreed that currently about 80% of the issues being brought to the l CAD LMRC are strategic is nature and therefore it is necessary to have CAS representation/involvement in this forum.

6. Term, Casual, Student staffing policy for 1 CAD and the conversion A1 CHRM of long term specified period employees to indeterminate status - A/A1 CHRM explained that the staffing policy of terms, casuals, and students has not changed and that the staffing of these types of positions has been delegated to the Wing. CAS and 1 CAD have provided guidance on term appointments and long-term conversion in the Vacancy Management Framework (VMF) document and instructions. VP Man/Sask expressed concern with the number of term employees who are in positions that were previously declared surplus, and also with the length of time that some of the terms have been employed. A/A1 CHRM in conjunction with Service Centers will continue to monitor term appointments and conversion.

7. Civ Pers - HRBM Roles and Responsibilities - CHRM provided a A1CHRM document which summarized the division of responsibilities between & A1 Pers CHRM (HRBM) and ADM HR Civ. VP Man/Sask expressed concern regarding the service provided by ADM HR Civ and questioned if this group should have a member on the 1 CAD LMRC to respond to questions. UNDE is also concerned about the number of established civilian positions within the air force. D Air CMS provided an update on the ACMIS database, which although designed to track training, should provide management the ability to maintain data on the civilian population. UNDE VP Man/Sask remarked that this would be very helpful to the union as well as the air force; however , UNDE will still require establishment data. A1Pers/A/A1CHRM to review civilian "establishment" policy/reporting with A7.

8. Supply Chain Project Update & Employability Strategy/Career Training D Air CMS for the affected Supply Chain Employees - A4 LSR provided a brief update of the SCP; however, there is nothing new at this point and the concerns remain the same. The RFP is at the DM for decision, which is expected by the end of June.

VP Nfld/Lab/NB raised a concern regarding the transitional period of an ASD initiative. During an ASD takeover, a 3-year transitional period takes place. During this period, it is determined whether the transfer of services is successful or not. If it is determined that the ASD is not successful, the Department would resume the responsibilities. Affected Public Service employees are required to decide within a 1-year timeframe whether to accept a guaranteed job offer or take a TSM. What happens to the employee who has left DND or relocated within DND if the ASD is unsuccessful in the transitional period and the Department resumes the work? D Air CMS to discuss this scenario with D Air PM&S 2.

9. Business Plans at the Wing Level - VP Man/Sask advised that the local A7 & UNDE presidents have been instructed to request details on the Wing/Unit WComds Business Plans at their local LMRCs. UNDE would like to see this on the agenda as a standing item. UNDE also expressed interest in participating at the next WComd meeting to outline the benefit of information-sharing with local union representatives. A7 supports sharing of current local business plans and will include this requirement in the cover letter of the 1 CAD Guidance for the 01/02 Business Plan.

10. Personnel Data for Military, breakout of Ops vs Sup by establishment A1 Coord and manning - A1 Coord and A7 discussed with UNDE the ability to provide A7 these types of numbers. It was determined that establishment numbers A1 CHRM represent the figures that the air force is striving towards in the their manning. The manning figures are not readily available and are very fluid as they change from day to day. A1 Coord and A7 to provide establishment and manning numbers (mil), on a bi-annual basis. A1 CHRM to provide civilian "numbers" bi-annually from Peoplesoft and/or ACMIS database.

11. Conflict Management Project (ADR) Pilot Projects - W Admin O, 17 WAdminO 17 Wing Pilot Project for the Air Command, provided a report on the status of this Pilot Project at 17 Wing. He expressed concern that the local UNDE EDCM representative had withdrawn from the local Steering Committee, however advised that he has continued to keep UNDE informed of all the activities and plans. VP Nfld/Lab/NB advised that she is the UNDE OPI at the National level and is a member of the Steering Committee at NDHQ; she expressed UNDE's concerns regarding this program. VP Man/Sask stated that UNDE has practiced informal resolution for years with success, however feels that this formalized process does not achieve the same level of success. It was agreed that it would be benefical to resolve issues that had resulted in UNDE's withdrawal from the 17 Wing ADR pilot project. 17 Wing W Admin O, VP Nfld/Lab/NB, and Executive Director Conflict Managment (EDCM) will meet to discuss the problems of this pilot project and find resolution.

12. Grievance Reporting for 1 CAD - A/A1 CHRM stated that 1 CAD will be requesting quarterly reports of grievance statistics from all the Service Centers.

The last report provided was for the 1999 calendar year. The Service Centers will be requested to provide a report covering the first six months of this year and provide quarterly reports thereafter to A1 CHRM. A1 CHRM will forward grievance reports to UNDE at the end of each quarter.

13. UCS Update - D Air CMS provided an update of Total Positions by CMSCC, UCS Governance Structure, DND UCS Structure Committee, DND UCS Core Team (DUCT), CC3 UCS Impact Analysis Team and the Model Development Committees. VP Nfld/Lab/NB asked if the Department had done a job level comparison with other departments. D Air CMS advised that this would be done after the validation process. VP Man/Sask stated that CC3 UCS Impact Analysis Team had no union involvement and will supply names of members to D Air CMS through VP Alberta/North. An information blitz to all DND wings/bases will begin on 19 Jun for approximately two weeks. UNDE requested that the schedule for these visits be provided to them so that the local union representatives could be involved. VP Nfld/Lab/NB questioned the progress of negotiations with TB regarding the development of a standard grievance process through the collective agreement to deal with areas such as job content and classification level. D Air CMS did not have any new information on this matter. D Air CMS to provide UNDE with schedule of UCS information blitz and relay Air Command's concern to UCS project team that sufficient notice be provided to local representatives regarding the upcoming information blitz. VP Man/Sask to provide names of members through VP Alberta/North to D Air CMS.

14. Information sharing at the Wing Level LMRC - VP Man/Sask stated that W Comd they have a commitment from the DM and VCDS that information will be shared in DND. Information being asked for at this forum will also be requested locally. Local Executives for UNDE have been advised to have the following items placed on their Local LMRC agendas as a standing items: 1) "Parade State" by military, regular and reserve status, rank, work location, establishment and manning numbers, 2) number of civilians by classification, employment status and work location, 3) Wing/Unit Business Plans, financial breakdowns including SWE, and 4) details of all contracted work at the Wing/Unit, the service provided, and the cost and term of the contract. UNDE requested 1 CAD's support in ensuring information is provided to the union. A1 supports the WComd`s sharing on this information with local unions.

15. Budget Overview (Standing Item) - A5 Compt provided an update of the initial allocation of CC3 funding for FY 00/01 by Wing/Unit. UNDE expressed concern that the SWE is included in the O&M.

16. EAP Update (Standing Item) - A1 CHRWM outlined the activities of the EAP and a statistical report for periods Apr - Sep 99 and Oct 99 - Mar 00.

17. EE Update (Standing Item) - A1 CHRWM emphasized the importance of the EE program and the activities that will be take place in the near future to determine departmental compliance to the Employment Equity Act. The Canadian Human Rights Commission will be conducting a compliance audit on the civilian workforce and managers must be reminded of their accountability in this program.

Round Table Discussions

18. VP Man/Sask indicated that information provided by NFTC office VP Man/Sask in response to UNDE's request is not sufficient ; he will forward more specific information on what costing information UNDE requires. UNDE VP Man/Sask to provide information requirements to A1 CHRM.

Secretarial Note: Information provided by VP Man/Sask and forwarded to NFTC office for response.

19. VP Nfld/Lab/NB, requested 1 CAD provide a representative to speak at the Joint Regional Conference Nfld/Lab/NB which is scheduled for 26 & 27 June 00. The focus of the conference will be on the SCP and ASD initiatives. A1 Pers to seek representative from 14 Wing to attend this conference.

Secretarial Note: VP Nfld/Lab/NB advised that CC3 presenter was not required, as a CC2 presentation had been arranged.

20. VP QC thanked the committee for their patience, as it will take some time to learn all the acronyms.

21. A /A1 CHRM reiterated 1 CAD`s position on attendance at regional UNDE meetings stating those issues should be resolved locally or brought to the 1 CAD LMRC, not regional council meetings. VP Man/Sask advised that he still feels there is still value in having Air Command's presence at these meetings. It was agreed that some issues raised at the recent meeting of the Council of Locals in Edmonton should be dealt with at Wing level LMRC's and VP Man/Sask agreed that a response to him from l CAD was sufficient. A/A1 CHRM will provide response re Council of Locals Meeting to VP Man/Sask.

Secretarial Note: Response provided to UNDE VP Man/Sask.

22. The next meeting will be held 7 November 00 in Ottawa. The Meeting adjourned at 1400.