Union News October 2018
On January 31, 2018, the Agency Management Committee approved the creation of a Staffing Redesign Project and accordingly, a Project Management Office from the CRA’s Human Resources Branch was created to oversee this project. Both UTE and PIPSC at the National level were invited to participate in an Integrated Project Team (IPT) to consult and provide input into this project, along with representatives from Resourcing and every Branch and Region of the CRA.
The IPT has been given the mandate to review and make recommendations on any and all aspects of staffing. This includes competencies, assessment, screening, mobility banks, employment equity, performance management, appointments with and without competition and with or without an advertised process, pools, selection processes, language proficiency and recourse. The IPT has been encouraged to “think outside the box” and to think creatively in identifying irritants and proposed solutions.
The IPT has met on a couple of occasions, and has been mandated to conduct engagement (feedback) sessions with employees, Union representatives, Team Leaders and managers, Executives and members of the Young Professional Network, to solicit a wide array of views and to attempt to identify solutions and efficiencies. Union representatives have also been invited to the employee sessions. These sessions have already commenced in some offices and will continue throughout the Fall of 2018. Other tools, including the Agency’s WIKI page and surveys are also being used to capture information.
UTE, while guarded in our approach, embraces the opportunity to participate in this ground-breaking and substantial venture. Surely, this Project and its results will affect each and every one of you, our members. We encourage you to participate in this Project to the extent possible and to voice your concerns about the current CRA Staffing Program. We ask that you attempt to offer positive and specific ideas on ways and means to improve staffing and recourse in the Agency. This is your opportunity to be heard and to influence effective staffing and meaningful recourse in the CRA.
In closing, rest assured that while UTE has adopted a collaborative and consultative approach with the employer with respect to this initiative, we will continue to participate only as long as the views of employees and UTE are being heard and seriously considered. Moreover, we will remain vigilant that efficiencies are not advanced to the detriment of employee rights and interests.
Should you wish more information, please feel free to speak with one of your Local Union representatives.
Shane O’Brien
Senior Labour Relations Officer