21 November 01
Minutes of the 10th Meeting of the
Co-Chairs: BGen P. Brennan, A1
Mr. B. Molsberry, UNDE VP (Man/Sask)
Co-Secretaries: Ms B. Hebert, A1 CHRM
Ms W. Carter, A1 CHRM
Members: Col J.P.J. LeBlanc, A4 AE (Absent)
Col S. Kummel, A7
Col W. Legue, A1 Pers
LCol W.C. Hussey, A5 Compt
Mr. P. Turcq, UNDE VP (Quebec)
Ms D. Graham, UNDE VP (Nfld/Lab/NB)
Ex officio Members: BGen W.T. Johnson, DG Air Pers (via video conference)
Ms T. Murray, DCHRSC (Pr)
Mr. B. Thistle, D Air CMS (via video conference)
Presenters: Maj D. Miller, A4 Sup
Ms D. Joudrey, A1 CHRWM
Guest: Ms Lynne Corkum, D Air CMS 5
DISCUSSION
INTRODUCTION
1. A1 and UNDE VP (MB/SK) opened the meeting at 1105. The co-chairs agreed that UNDE VP (MB/SK) would chair this meeting.
2. As A4 was not available to speak to the item on the SERCO performance bonus, a conference call between A1, A4 and UNDE VP (Nfld/Lab/NB) will be arranged and A4 will provide an update on the subject.
Secretarial Note: A4 and UNDE VP (Man/Sask) discussed this issue by telephone on 11 Jan 02 at 0800. A4 will speak to VP (Nfld/LAB/NB) to ensure all her questions are answered.
3. The chairperson asked if there were any changes to the agenda and UNDE VP (Quebec) requested that the Bagotville LMRC issue be added to the agenda as 2 (l).
OUTSTANDING BUSINESS
4. The action items were reviewed and the following issues were addressed:
a. ADR Pilot Project - This item will be covered under New Business, ADR Pilot project and way ahead (para 7 on the agenda).
b. LMRC Enhancement Training - The chairperson advised that training the committee received earlier in the morning required some editing changes to make it current. The "Train the Trainer's" English session is scheduled in early December and the French training will take place early in the new year. DCHRSC Pr advised that eventually this training would be available through the Learning Centres on an ongoing basis.
c. Knowing Your Collective Agreement - DCHRSC Pr advised that Jocelyn Poirier has been identified as the PSAC trainer for this program. She also advised that the training will be delayed in order to incorporate recent changes to the collective agreement. The chairperson advised that the training that took place in Greenwood and Trenton was well received and valuable to military supervisors as well. He stated that the sooner this training was provided the better. DCHRSC Pr advised that this training would be rolled out early in 2002.
d. Clarification of civilian establishment vis-a-vis the VM and BP (D Air CMS) - D Air CMS advised that DG Air Pers has ensured that direction would be sent out regarding the use of SWE and dedicating the money to salary. He also notified the membership that further subdelegation of vacancy management authority is being requested and that they are expecting a positive response. As well, members were informed that D Air CMS has developed a document entitled "Examining our Workforce", which includes a breakdown of civilian workforce composition and demographics. Once a skills gap analysis has been completed, a copy of the information will be provided to UNDE.
e. Failed ASD scenario - D Air CMS reported that he was unable to raise this issue to the UMCC as the meeting had been postponed, but that DCEP's guidance was that once public servants become employees of a private contractor, they no longer fall under the responsibility of DND.
f. ASD continuity plan - A1 Pers reported that new ASD contracts (such as the SCP) have off-ramp provisions to allow the Dept to be released from the contract if necessary. UNDE VP (NB/Nfld/Lab) advised that in ASD situations such as the SCP, PS employees would have no placement rights back into the PS if off-ramp is used. The chairperson stated that ASD initiatives should have contingency plans to address the re-employment issue. UNDE will raise the SCP issue to UMCC. DCHRSC Pr will request that DGER look into the feasibility of special re-entry rights be granted to public servants caught in an off- ramp situation.
g. Moose Jaw NFTC costing - A5 advised that all information (action item from the last meeting) had been sent to UNDE. The chairperson notified the committee that SCONDVA has been asked for an accountability framework on NFTC. A5 advised that the RFP might be reopened to ensure adherence to the contract. A5 advised that the costs for non-operational units such as the Snow Birds were extremely high, and represented an ongoing funding challenge. UNDE suggested that additional funding sources such as Heritage Canada might be pursued.
h. Status of Employability Strategy Funding - D Air CMS advised that the Air Force has received $75,000 in Employability Strategy funding based on the requirements that were submitted from the Wgs. UNDE asked if there was any direction available to the Wgs should there not be enough ES funding to cover their requirements. A5 advised that 1% of SWE was dedicated to continuous learning and could be used to supplement ES funding.
Secretarial Note: ES funding is to be used for those employees affected by the SCP as per criteria document dated 28 Jun 01, DGLPD's Employability Strategy Program Funding.
i. Moose Jaw and Goose Bay Status Issue Identification - A7 stated that proposed establishment changes for Goose Bay were an increase of 11 civilian and 11 military positions and for Moose Jaw an additional 5 civilian and 14 military positions. He advised that a corporate governance structure would allow the Air Force to have a better insight into contracts by imbedding expertise in 1 CAD in the contract management function.
j. Maritime Helicopters Project - A7 advised that the study is complete and that the recommendation is to remain with the status quo although no decision has been made yet.
k. 17 Wg requirement for stress, harassment and suicide awareness programs - A1 CHRM advised that she was working on a workforce health program proposal that includes measurement indicators. The UNDE chairperson advised that measurement might be difficult as 90% of problems never go to formal process.
Secretarial Note: 17 WHRBM and 17 Wg EAP committee are planning stress management workshops.
l. Bagotville Labour Relations - UNDE VP (Quebec) advised that the problems in 3 Wg had been going on far too long and that resolution must be reached. A1 Pers will contact WComd to discuss the situation.
NEW BUSINESS
5. Budget Reductions by Wing - A5 Compt reported that quarterly economic adjustments have increased the original budget allocations resulting in no reductions.
6. Gander proposals - A1 Pers reported that 9 Wg is looking at a proposal to move their Admin services to an airport authority building. This move would not include the workshops and there is no anticipated change in military or civilian positions. UNDE VP (NB/Nfld/Lab) advised that 9 Wg had come up with 5 different proposals in response to direction to reduce their infrastructure by 10%. One of the proposals would offer a 26% reduction and included the demolition of 19 buildings and relocation to the airport authority building. UNDE is concerned about the civilian impacts of the plan. A1 Pers responded that infrastructure changes are being looked at throughout the Air Force and that changes may affect people. He advised that he would obtain additional information. A5 advised that the WComd is trying to ensure that the option won't affect personnel (numbers). UNDE VP (NB/Nfld/Lab) stated that the WComd assumed his command after the proposals were submitted.
Secretarial Note: A briefing note regarding proposed move of 9 Wg facilities to Gander Internation Airport (GIA) terminal is enclosed.
7. UCS - No information was tabled. The chairperson reported that UNDE has withdrawn and wants more focus on currency. UNDE is frustrated with the fact that DND positions under UCS are classified lower than other Depts and that union input is not taken into account. UNDE VP (Quebec) advised that they hope to get back to UCS or another forum that will help their membership. The UNDE co-chair stated that although UNDE is not at the table, they represent the majority of civilian employees in DND and must be consulted on classification program decisions.
8. SCP update and discussion. A4 Sup provided a briefing on the Supply Chain Project which included information on the primary numbers of people affected in the Air Force and the technical visit schedule. The slide presentation was tabled. UNDE requested that they be provided information on the numbers of employees who perform supply duties as a secondary function, as there is some concern that minor percentages of time will be combined to affect additional employees. UNDE VP (NB/Nfld/Lab) suggested that local committees should be formed to work on some of the personnel issues that may arise. She stated that some of the Supply employees do not want to work for the contractor and that management should assist them in remaining in the Public Service. A4 Sup advised that several W Sup employees have deployed to other Public Service positions. The chairperson stated that UNDE has a role to play in this and would communicate the information to their locals. A4 Sup reported that 5 Wg management was looking at the possibility of rolling the W Sup employees over to the SERCO contract.
9. ADR Pilot project and way ahead - The chairperson advised that UNDE has withdrawn from this program and that they are frustrated in the way the pilot projects have been going. Specific concerns are: too many mediators being trained, military and civilian should have separate ADR programs, the program is not serving the membership, the department has built a bureaucracy around ADR, overlap with harassment policy and grievance process. UNDE thinks there is value in having a civilian ADR program and that mediators should ideally be from outside the department.
10. SSSR - An update from D Air Prog Change Management was tabled. DG Air Pers reported that 3 options for SSSR were provided at the DMC on 12 - 13 Nov 01. DG Air Pers will provide a copy of the deck to UNDE. The chairperson asked where the department was in relation to base standard index (BSI) and activity-based costing (ABC). DG Air Pers replied that there are still plans to proceed with BSI. A5 stated that ABC is on hold in the Air Force and not just related to SSSR.
STANDING ITEMS
11. Budget Overview (Standing Item) - A5 reported that 1 CAD's reference level of funding was $458 million and is now increased to $492 million.
12. EAP (Standing Item) - An EAP report was tabled by A1 CHRWM. The chairperson requested that 1 CAD consider 'care for the caregivers' and that RAs require support to assist them in balancing their workload and their RA duties, especially those RAs affected by the SCP.
13. EE (Standing Item) - An EE report was tabled by A1 CHRWM tabled an EE report. UNDE VP (NB/Nfld/Lab) expressed disappointment in the lack of union participation in the EE program at the corporate level and reminded the committee that not consulting the union was in violation of the EE Act. UNDE's issues have been raised to ADM HR (Civ).
14. Personnel Numbers Mil and Civ (Standing Item) - A report of military manning numbers on CD was provided to UNDE members. Air Reserve strength numbers and a civilian population report were tabled. The chairperson advised that he had requested UN peacekeeping numbers as well and A1 Pers agreed to provide. A discussion ensued as to what was required at the local LMRCs and the chairperson advised that he would clarify the requirements with the local presidents. A5 reported that he had sent out a request to the WCompts to provide the information and requested that UNDE let him know if there were any problems obtaining local reports. UNDE VP (MB/SK) noted that military numbers are provided by A1 Pers and do not have to be provided at the local level. As well, he clarified that all contracts pertaining to services that have been or could be supplied by DND civilian employees/UNDE members are the only contracts that have to be reported. This further clarifies action requirements for WComds in the minutes from the 8th meeting of the 1 CAD/UNDE LMRC on 15 Nov 00 (6009-21 (A1) dated 31 January 2001.
Secretarial Note: A1 Manning e-mailed information on 1 CAD deployed personnel on 23 Nov 01.
15. 1 CAD Grievance Reports (Standing Item) - A1 CHRM tabled Grievance statistics. The chairperson requested that information on when the grievance was submitted be included on the report. DCHRSC Pr stated that this would be provided for the next report.
16. 1 CAD HR Committee - The co-chairs agreed to add this agenda item. A1 stated her intention to form this committee to provide oversight into the 3 areas of regular force, reserve and civilians. She is planning a facilitated session in mid February to design the committee. A1 stated that she had spoken to UNDE VP (MB/SK) and that he agreed that UNDE would be represented. Further details as to date, location, and invitees will follow.
17. Draft Terms of Reference for 1 CAD UMCC - The chairperson asked that the members read the draft prepared by A1 CHRM and provide input. The co-chairs will finalize on behalf of the LMRC.
ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION
18. DG Air Pers stated that he would ensure that 1 person from CAS would attend the LMRC and that video conferencing would be used for those members who could not come to Winnipeg.
19. A1 CHRM reminded members that follow-up information on assigned action items should be distributed between meetings through the secretariat.
20. The UNDE Co-chairperson advised that the next meeting should be scheduled for April and although UNDE has withdrawn from UCS and ADR, LMRC should continue. A1 stated that this group was very knowledgeable and she found the meeting useful.