March 5, 2001

National UMCC Report

The following is the report of topics discussed at the National Union-Management Consultation Committee meeting held March 5, 2001. (The minutes will be posted as soon as they are available.)

Defence Spending
The Department provided a breakdown of where and how defence dollars are being spent.

Current Issues
In addition to the continuing pressure on the Department in all areas of defence spending, DND is faced with recruitment and retention problems; healthcare enhancements are badly needed; and, as we've all heard, equipment and infrastructure is rusting out.

Overall, the Department is finding it difficult to change its agenda with these constraints.

Canadian Forces Joint Operation Group (JOG)
The Department briefed the National UMCC on a new Canadian Forces Joint Operations Group (JOG). The structure will be comprised of all three elements of the Forces. JOG will field a deployable, operational-level joint task force responding to complex international missions, including war-fighting as well as domestic operations. The main contingency force will include 11,750 military personnel. JOG would be reactive in a similar fashion to DART, but on a broader scale.

MOS Review II
The military will be looking at the 107 military occupations and work towards multi-skilling of military personnel. This will also impact the ship-to-shore ratio of deployable military personnel.

Auditor General's Report on Defence
The Department is acting on the recommendations contained in the last report. The next report on Defence is expected in December 2001.

Realty Asset Strategic Plan (20-year outlook)
Currently, there is a study being carried out of all defence-owned infrastructure. As this is in the early stages of reviewing current infrastructure of all bases, it was made known that no firm decisions have been made. However, 10% of assets are to be reduced over the next five years. Because this issue has caused a concern for all unions, the Department will keep unions informed as things progress.

Return to Work Program
Overall, the program as reported by the Department, is progressing well. Not all bases are on board, pending training which is continuous. Once the program is fully functioning, it will be locally managed. This will only complement the various provincial legislations.