Joint Working Group - NLMCC Agreements

Tuesday, January 28, 2003

Designation Process

• Agreement was reached to establish a consistent, more consultative process for maintaining an updated master list of departmental designations
• Consultation is on-going on the design of the process

Workplace Alternate Dispute Resolution

• A departmental integrated conflict management system for workplace conflict as well as disputes arising from the administration of contracts was presented to the Executive Committee (EC) in October
• Approval received from EC to begin implementation of the recommendations made by joint steering committee on workplace

Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)

• Joint consultation will continue with respect to any modifications required by the integrated model Employee Orientation Sessions
• Agreement in principle to increase union participation in employee orientation sessions
• Consultation is on-going in the National Capital Area (NCA) and some regions with a view to compiling material for presentations and creating a best practices template

Improved Communication With Management

• Agreement to review and improve communication between management and union, including Regional Directors General (RDG) and Regional Vice-Presidents (RVP)
• The Assistant Deputy Minister, Real Property Program (ADM, RPP) has discussed with the appropriate RDGs
• Each RDG/RVP to assess their respective situations and develop remedies
• Develop module on role and structure of unions to incorporate into new and existing management training

Union Meetings on Employer's Time and Premises

• Agreement in principle to jointly promote members' participation in union activities by granting time to attend local annual general meetings; employer premises may be used, where possible, provided there are no costs incurred by the employer
• Corporate Labour Relations (CLR) and Government Services Union (GSU) (national/regional) to develop a plan to communicate opportunity to local levels
• The Assistant Deputy Minister, Human Resources Branch will request that the ADM, RPP task a senior manager to develop and communicate a protocol on premises nationally
• Agreement in principle to promote opportunities to develop and deliver information sessions on topics of mutual benefit jointly at the local level
• CLR and GSU (national) to jointly explore potential topics and establish guidelines for clearing house format
• Multi-Union Consultation
• Agreement has been reached on multi-union consultation at Occupational Health and Safety committees at all levels

Time for Union Officers

The joint working group has agreed on the following principles to be taken into account by both management and union representatives on the subject of employer-paid union time which is not covered by collective agreements and the suite of agreements between Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) and GSU:

• Agreement to recognize the benefits, at all levels, of Union Officers' contribution to the PWGSC organization
• Agreement to provide a balance between public service career and union workload for Union Officers
• Management and Union recognize the need to be mindful of the quality and continuity of service delivery and are accountable for time spent
• Agreement that processes and expectations must be well communicated between union representatives and management in each area
• Agreement that activities and issues should be delegated to the most appropriate level for consultation and/ or resolution

Other Matters

Discussions will continue on these and other issues, including recognition of the skill-sets acquired by union officers through their representation activities.