November 18, 2004

Public Service Modernization Act
UNION MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Record of Decisions

Meeting: 6

Date: November 18, 2004

Attending:     Management Side
                     Monique Boudrias, PSHRMAC (Co-Chairperson)
                     Ric Cameron, CIDA

Public Service Commission
Marc Grenier (for Greg Gauld)

                     Bargaining Agent Side
                     Steve Hindle, PIPSC
                     Merdon Hosking, ACFO

                     Guests
                     Jill Larose, PSHRMAC
                     Carole Lacroix, PSHRMAC
                     Karen Ellis (Working Group on Staffing Recourse)
                     Georges Nadeau (Working Group on Staffing Recourse)
                     David Waung (Canada School of Public Service)
                     Judith Gould (Canada School of Public Service)
                     Patrick Borbey (Working Group on LMCC's & Co-development)

                     Secretaries and Support
                     Camille Therriault-Power, Co-Secretary, PSHRMAC
                     Dan Butler, Co-Secretary, NJC
                     Nicole Paré-Bisson, NJC
                     Michael MacDonald, PSHRMAC
                     Claude Rioux, PSHRMAC

(1) Welcome and Introductions

M. Boudrias as Co-Chairperson welcomed all participants to the sixth meeting of the Public Service Modernization Act Union Management Advisory Committee (UMAC).

Given the number of representatives absent, the Co-Chairperson offered bilateral briefings to any bargaining agent on subjects raised at the meeting, and welcomed written comments from any desiring to do so (as indicated by Sylvain Martel, UCCO-SACC-CSN).

Dinner with Deputy Ministers will proceed as planned on November 30^th in order to provide an opportunity for informal dialogue between DM's and bargaining agent heads on PSMA implementation issues.

(2) Review of Proposed Agenda

The agenda was approved as provided.

(3) Approval of September 22nd Record of Discussions

The Record of Discussion for the meeting of September 22^nd was approved between meetings.

(4) Follow-up from September 22nd Meeting/Consultation

(a) Update on learning strategy (David Waung & Judith Gould)

The proposed CSPS approach to learning activities in support of PSMA implementation was outlined. The approach focuses on: (1) what is the PSMA? how will HR management differ under the new legislation? (2) necessary skills and change management training to equip the community (3) policy tools and their linkages to the modern management framework.

Suggestions were received on means of engaging bargaining agents in the learning strategy:

invite bargaining agent representatives to register in the same learning events as made available to the management community
open union-offered courses to management representatives
involve unions as presenters to profile bargaining agent perspectives on key issues
union representation on curriculum development group (note outstanding offer from CSPS to unions)
include union representatives and stewards in development of departmental training plans

D. Waung suggested a possible three-tier approach: (1) open spaces in courses to union representatives; (2) union participation in a "mentor group" or, at least, union opportunity to provide input on course documents under development; (3) identify opportunities for union representatives to act as course presenters.

The School was invited to present its approach for wider union comment at the December 1^st meeting of the National Joint Council.

(b) Working Group on Staffing Recourse (Karen Ellis & Georges Nadeau)

Based on input from DM's Murray and Jolicoeur, the Working Group is focusing on developing supporting information and guidance on (1) DM investigations, (2) the informal discussion phase and (3) the PSST --- to the extent that the new PSST Chair to be announced in January wishes to receive views. It was noted that there is a need for special material as well for use with respect to the research science staffing stream.

Work is proceeding on a co-operative basis to the extent possible but with the caveat that this is not viewed as a co-development initiative given union concerns about the new legislative regime. The Group has targeted January for presentation of initial ideas to the DM Sub-committee.

Bargaining agent concerns were expressed that some employer representatives may be taking positions which attempt to minimize transparency and fairness requirements on management. The Co-Chairperson reiterated that this is not the intent of the legislation.

(c) Co-development Guidelines (P. Borbey)

Draft guidelines on co-development were presented as approved in principle by the DM Sub-committee. These guidelines build upon considerable previous input from union and management representatives and, in particular, the PSCAC Working Group Report on Co-development.

(5) DM Sub-Committee Updates

(a) PSMA Project Management Overview (C. Lacroix)

Work proceeds on track with the master implementation schedule. Agency officials are now concentrating on readiness criteria for the coming into force of various elements of the PSMA, as well as on launching the input/analysis process for departmental submissions for funding under the Strategic Investment Framework.

(b) PSEA Implementation (J. Larose & M. Grenier)

The PSC's proposed appointment framework and policy tools were further discussed at the Commission's third learning event on November 9^th and 10^th. Further feedback and input from the parties is due by December 1^st so that Commissioners may proceed to approval in January or February. Roll-out of final materials is anticipated to begin with another community event in April.

M. Grenier noted that substantial union input had already been provided through the PSCAC working group process but that he hoped the PSC would have an opportunity in December or January to present the proposed appointment framework for further consideration at UMAC. The Commission will also be seeking bargaining agent views on the roll-out strategy.

(c) PSLRA/FAA Direct Authorities Implementation (C. Therriault-Power)

Work has now shifted primarily to knowledge transfer and communications activities, and the development of generic communications products to support departments. Beyond finalizing the co-development policy tool, work is outstanding on a more detailed resource guide on Informal Conflict Management Systems.

(d) Accountability, Performance Management & Reporting (C. Lacroix)

Elements of the People Component Management Accountability Framework (PCMAF) were summarized. Work continues on identifying performance indicators for the seven identified human resources outcomes. Based on input received from the DM's community, priority has also been assigned to developing clear accountability statements for each central agency involved with HR management issues.

(6) Next Steps

The date and agenda for the next UMAC meeting were not established.

Dan Butler Camille Therriault-Power
Co-Secretary Co-Secretary