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EMPLOYEE MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING

NOVEMBER 23, 2001

In attendance:

Brian Randall (AUPE)

Denis St. Arnaud (HR – Env./SRD)

Doug Gamble (FWD)

Wes Nimco (FPD)

Bruce Mayer (FPD)

Doug Slatnik (FWD)

Ray Andrews (CD)

Lynn Upshall (HR – CD)

Jason Hanson (FWD)

Nola Hambleton (LFD)

Moreen Lavallee (HR) – Recording Secretary

There were two additions to the agenda:

• Indemnification Issue
• Seasonal Conservation Officers

 

1. Status of Audit and what effect it will have on staff moving between CD, SRD and Environment.

   The Merle Taylor Report has been finalized. As a result, some staff from Fish and Wildlife will be transferred to Community Development. In addition, some staff will be transferred to SRD from Environment and vice versa. Deputy Minister approvals are still required. Once approvals have been received, the supervisors will be advising the employees of their transfer. Denis is hoping that the details will be available early next week.
   

2. Status of third year funding for new Conservation Officers.

   At this time, no commitment has been made. Every attempt will be made; however, there is discussion that SPR may be available. No final decision has been made.

3. Concern was regarding travel on days of rest to training, seminars, etc.

   There is inconsistencies throughout the Province – some employees are getting paid and others not getting paid.

   ACTION: Further discussion will take place with forestry divisions as there are some grey areas.

4. Bear Spray for Forestry field workers. Spray is no longer available, no longer allowed and some claim that it does not work.

   Final decision at the Fire Managers’ Meeting was that the spray would be available; however, a policy is being prepared to identify training for proper usage and handling. Also further bear awareness training will be offered.

5. Forestry has raised some concerns about changing days of rest. What is the future of these shift changes?

   Reference was made to Mr. Henderson’s memo, which identified that days of rest could be altered. The union’s concern is the difference between short-term and long-term scheduling. Fish and Wildlife staff change their schedule during the hunting season and have had no problems.

   ACTION: Bruce will bring forward to the Executive.

6. Concern raised at the April Council Meeting about resource staff being denied fires due to wishes of Resource Manager being contrary to those of the Fire Manager.

   There has been concerns raised by Resource Management staff who have not been able to fight fires to gain some OT. The department’s priority is that when additional staff is required to maintain a fire, staff will be made available. Again, staff will assist dependent on workload in their regions.

   ACTION: Denis will bring forward to the SRD Executive. Bruce will also bring forward at the Fire Managers’ Meeting. Denis will discuss with Howard Gray as to how this issue could affect the growth series for FO I.

7. CD apparently has made the decision that seasonal Interpreters will be hired as Interpreters and not FA’s as has been the past practice in some areas. How will this affect the classification of seasonal Conservation Officers? There have been concerns raised that we may not be able to attract sufficient qualified staff this coming year.

   Seasonal interpreters will be hired at the interpreter class. The forestry aide class will continue to be used for the seasonal conservation officers and forest officers. This classification is used since most applicants do not meet the educational requirements as per the Minimum Recruitment Standards.

8. Did any Lookouts get the extra pay as per the Letter of Understanding?

   To date, no lookouts have received any extra pay, however, a number of employees will be getting it.

   ACTION: Denis will pass on the numbers to Brian.

9. When will CD be restructuring. Concerns regarding potential changes.

   The restructuring is being worked on. Lynn feels that the timeframe will be for the spring and he is not aware of the set-up.

10. Specialist Modifier. Can we look at putting a process in place to address concerns raised by staff wishing to establish "new" modifiers?

    It was suggested that further clarification be available such as the criteria required, certification and departmental requirements.

    ACTION: Denis will discuss the process with PAO.

    Nola asked whether other locals could be considered for specialist modifiers. Denis mentioned that this is highly unlikely.

11. Vehicle policy inconsistent between F&W and Forestry. Forestry does not take vehicles home – F&W do.

    SRD Executive has approved the revised vehicle policy that employees will be allowed to take vehicles should it be convenient for travel and conservation officers will not longer be assigned a specific vehicle. The policy will most likely be signed off by the Deputy Minister next week.

12. Inconsistency in standby policy. Some areas deduct the standby when you are called out and paid OT, some do not.

    An updated memo dated November 19, 2001 has been distributed to the Division/ Regional Directors of LFD, FPD, and PLD. This memo has been put together from various inputs from the Regions. The next step is to ensure that staff are made aware and consistency is maintained throughout the provinces. Any specific problems should be passed on to Denis for further clarification.

13. What is being done about the inability for officers to access CPIC and CNI formation through the Communication Information Control Center?

    Jason raised a concern that some Conservation Officers are having problems in getting access to CPIC and CNI systems. Since SRD is the only usergroup requiring access, it was suggested that a proposal be prepared to the Federal Government requesting that SRD get their own terminal. Brian suggested that perhaps added pressure could be put on the detachments.

14. Is the employer satisfied with the makeup of the committee?

    A representative from Local 1 will be in attendance to further meetings. It was also suggested that a Resource Management representative be in attendance. A Community Development representative will also be in attendance.

15. Date of next meeting.

    The next meeting is tentative scheduled for late March, 2002.

    ACTION: Departmental Representatives should get back to Denis and Union Representatives should get back to Brian with a suitable date.

16. Indemnification Issue

    A Fish and Wildlife employee was previously charged with assault. The department paid for his legal costs and this employee is still employed with the department. New events have arisen – the employee and the department are being sued. The employee has been advised that he will have to cover his own legal costs.

    ACTION: Denis will follow-up on the issue and discuss further with Legal.

17. Seasonal Conservation Officers

Ray mentioned that approval is in the process for seasonal interpreters and conservation officer recruitment. Each department is submitting its critical staffing plan, however these seasonal opportunities should not be caught up with it.

Local 001 EMAC Agenda Items:

1. Update Policy for Paid Meal Breaks

   There are inconsistencies throughout the province where meals are charged at one location, whereas they are not charged at another location. The same applies for day of rest.

   ACTION: Bruce will follow-up at the next Fire Management Meeting.

2. Accommodation/Rent for staff living in seasonal camps and meal charges.

   Again, there are inconsistencies throughout the province.

   ACTION: Bruce will follow-up at the next Fire Management Meeting.

3. Technical/Professional Staff doing administrative work.

   Technical staff are doing administration work because of the shortage of staff and other staff dedicated to financial responsibilities. One vacant position has been caught up in the budget freeze.

   ACTION: Denis will discuss further with Pat Guidera and Butch Shenfield for further clarification and resolution.

4. How is the split going to be made between the Forest Protection Division and Land and Forest Division?

The Divisions are currently working on their restructuring plan.