16 April 2007

UNDE VP ONTARIO REPORT

UNDE/LFCAHQ LMRC

The UNDE/LFCA LMRC was held in Toronto on 16 April 2007. Col Erickson welcomed everyone and introduced Col Radford, COS, to the meeting and then proceeded around the table with introductions of the Committee.

The previous minutes were reviewed and I requested an updated on 1f of the previous minutes. This was in reference to the staffing of VHE positions in Northern Ontario. Major Herve confirmed that one position was recently filled and competitive processes had been initiated for the other 2 positions. The minutes were then passed.

Highlights:

ASR Update: Col Erickson indicated that since there were not many changes in ASR whether or not we wanted this item to remain as a standing item or just revisit when a change occurred. The union Reps all indicated that we wanted this to remain on the agenda, at least until the fall and revisit at that time. It was there agreed by the Committee to leave it on. Major Herve informed the Committee that the latest ASR developments have been military related, and not civilian. He further stated that they are now only following the path that was previously laid out and briefed on. He provided an organizational chart of the Equipment Fielding Coordination Centre (EFCC). And indicated that the majority of military positions are expected to be filled in the summer. They are however, experiencing some difficulty in filling civilian positions in Petawawa. These are VHE 09 positions, and they are not receiving the applications as they thought they would. I expressed a concern over this and questioned why there were having difficulty in staffing them. Col Erickson explained that these are local competitions for both civilian and mil personnel especially for Vehicle Technicians, but for some reason people just aren’t applying.. This will remain on the agenda for an update at the next meeting.

LFCA EE . The Area EE Officer, Capt Patterson-Hock, provided an update on EE activities. The EE Working Group was held on the 22 & 23 March 07 and was well attended. She provided EE briefings and training to unit EE officers. They also discussed the LFCA EE Plan based on the Army Plan and developed a draft Area EE & Diversity Plan for FY 07/08. Copy attached. She also explained that the draft is based on the Army Plan and with Area action plans and time lines. In addition to the Advisory Groups in Petawawa, Kingston and Toronto, other units such as ASU London, 31 CFB and LFCA TC Meaford have expressed an interest in establishing their own AGs. The Area EE Report has gone to the Area Commander for Signature. In respect to representation gaps, the Area situation overall has improved, with the most significant gap in the Designated Group for Woman. Area EE Report attached.

Capt Patterson-Hock also mentioned that the EE Plan must be incorporated into the Business Plans so that related EE issues can be addressed and actioned in a timely manner. She will raise this point in the upcoming Army EE Working Group scheduled for 2 May 07.

Update on IM/IT Issues: Col Erickson indicated that there are three phases in the IM/IT Rationalization process. The first two phases are already underway. Major activities include (a) the transfer of all IM/IT human, contracting and financial resources from other L1 organizations into the IM Group; and (b) the consolidation and optimization of all in-scope IM/IT resources within DND/CF. A copy of the presentation is attached. He further explained that this pilot project started in the Quebec Region. The unions expressed interest in having this issue as a standing item on the agenda. I also requested to see the organizational charts of any positions in the Area which could be impacted. Col Erickson will follow up for the next meeting.

2007 National EAP Symposium: Both the HRBM Gail Fox and I provided feedback from the EAP Symposium that was held in Gatineau. That it was very well attended by the Region, and very well organized. The workshops were geared towards rejuvenating the EAP Reps, and that we both had received positive feedback. The theme of the symposium was “The Sandwich Generation”. Also mentioned was that the speakers, were very inspirational and motivating.

Essential Services Agreements (ESA): The HRBM indicated that direction/guidelines on ESA have not been received from the Level 1 however it was expected to be received shortly. Col Erickson inquired about the timelines, as he didn’t want to be caught too short and without sufficient time to meet and negotiated the agreements. Ms Fox indicated that sufficient lead time was to be provided to units for responses. Ms Lean, Labour Relations, informed the committee that DGLRC, is encouraging a two month period for negotiations at the local and/or regional level and the delay was likely because of the new legislation and the definitions and service levels need to clear. I informed the committee that UNDE reps were trained and are ready to proceed, and that it would be preferable that preliminary consultations start as soon as possible. I also informed them that because of the situation of the Local in ASU N, that any ESAs would be done at the National Level.

During the round table, Col Radford thanked everyone for affording the opportunity to attend the meeting. I requested an update on the Area’s Vacant Civilian Positions. I was informed that this Area initiative had been on hold pending the Bulk Inactivation of Civilian Positions, which was scheduled to take place on 19 February 07. The HRBM will provide an update at the next meeting. I also requested an update on the audit/monitoring report on classification for the Ontario Region. Ms Lean indicated that that the report should be available likely by end May 07. More to follow next meeting.

The next meeting is scheduled for the 10 July 2007.

Fraternally,

Debra Nadeau
UNDE VP Ontario