UNION MANAGEMENT CONSULTATION COMMITTEE - 18 MARCH 2025
14 Wing
PO Box 5000, Stn Main
Greenwood, NS B0P 1N0
6007_6 (14 AMS CO AA)
Date – See Digital Signature
UNION MANAGEMENT CONSULTATION COMMITTEE MEETING HELD AT 1330 HRS 18 MARCH 2025
Chairperson:
Col L.B. Vachon, WComd
Co-Chairpersons:
Scott Harrigan, UNDE Pres
Chad Lacoste, PIPSC Pres
Attendees:
LCol Murray, DWComd
LCol Arsenault, CO 405 Sqn
LCol Lafontaine, CO 415 Sqn
LCol Gignac, CO 404 Sqn
LCol Travis, CO 14 AMS
LCol Norris, CO 413 Sqn
Maj O’Donnell, A/CO 14 OSS
Maj Hocquard, DCO 14 MSS
Maj van Oostrum, HR Coord
Maj Fillmore, CO 26 CF H Svcs Centre
Lt(N) Williams, OC 24 MP Flt
CWO Proulx, WCWO
Laurie Myers, HR-CIV LRO
Grant Tennant, Head Shop Stewart UNDE
Wanda Wharton, 2VP UNDE
April Brown, PIPSC Stewart
Secretary: Chantal Harding, 14 AMS CO AA
INTRODUCTION
1. The 14 WComd, Col Vachon opened the meeting at 1333hrs and welcomed everyone. Col Vachon made the point that we are here to make the Wing a better place for everyone. It’s not a them and us meeting or situation, but an all of us for all of us. We need to work collaboratively as a team. This meeting is about constructive feedback and information sharing, not a personal attack, people should try to not take things personally. Chad Lacoste then introduced April Brown who is the new PIPSC Stewart.
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REVIEW OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
2. MINUTES: Minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed and accepted with no issues.
OLD BUSINESS
3. Outstanding minutes from May 2024: Wanda Wharton indicated that the meeting minutes from May 2024 have not been distributed. Current secretary indicated the minutes would have been produced by the previous secretary, Samantha Ford. They looked prior to the meeting and there was no draft copy in their records, or a signed copy on the 14 Wing X Drive. Maj Fillmore offered to reach out to Samantha Ford as there are familial connections.
4. UMCC Constitution Update: Maj van Oostrum presented the previous copy of the UMCC Constitution for review and discussion. The background of the creation of the original constitution was provided, it is based on the labour management committees that can be found on the Government of Canada site. The requirement for ensuring the constitution is updated regularly was stated. The committee agreed to meet quarterly, have the secretary send out meetings in advance, agenda items and reports will be provided two weeks prior to the meeting. The UMCC constitution will be updated every two years or on the Change of Command of the 14 Wing Commander.
REPORTS
5. Culture Evolution Coordinator Report (CEC): Presentation provided at Annex A. WCEC Maj Backhouse was unable to attend. Col Vachon presented their report. Of note from the report the EEAD require a civilian co-chair, and Maj Melissa Irvine will be taking over as the Cultural Evolution Coordinator (CEC) as of 01 April. LCol Lafontaine added that the DAGPWD is also seeking a civilian co-chair
6. Employee Assistance Program Report (EAP): Presentation provided at Annex B. Kristine Veinotte was unable to attend. Maj van Oostrum presented their report. Col Vachon reinforced the importance of seeking help if you are struggling and providing all our members with the resources to seek help.
7. Human Resources Steering Committee Report (HRSC): Presentation provided at Annex C. Maj van Oostrum presented their report. Maj van Oostrum explained funding and how it is used and allocated. Col Vachon indicated that 1 CAD recognizes we are not properly funded and should be adjusting to bring the Div Op funding under the Baseline funding. Maj van Oostrum explained the terminology around deployments, actings, long term, simple, and complex staffing. As well as pools, the hiring process, internal and external staffing requirements, advertised and non advertised hiring, and local/ national level staffing.
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8. Office of Disability Management Dashboard (ODM): Presentation provided at Annex D. Maj van Oostrum presented on behalf of ODM.
NEW BUSINESS
9. Contracting: Chad Lacoste requested that the contracting section be left as a standing item in the minutes and agenda. It was agreed to maintain them and discuss if there is new information
10. Cleaning Contract 26 HSvcs Clinic: Maj van Oostrum spoke about the cleaning contract at the base clinic. The contract is not being renewed right now, so we are going to be utilizing public service cleaning. We’re going to have those who have expressed interest from the current cleaning cell on the Wing rotate through on actings and then bring in some backfill positions while we work through the EC process.
11. Unit/ Section Mini UMCC: Maj van Oostrum requested that the PIPSC and UNDE presidents let the Wing know what they need, what the expectations are, and how we can accommodate the units with a smaller number of civilian employees for the Mini UMCC meetings. There are differences for PIPSC and UNDE as to who can attend meetings, so it is requested that the information be provided. If units/sections are going to hold Mini UMCC meetings then realistically they would be done about two weeks prior to the Wing UMCC meeting to allow the information gathered to be passed on for inclusion in the Wing UMCC meetings.
12. Scheduling of UMCC Meetings: This topic was covered during the Constitution discussion above. It was agreed to commit to quarterly meetings.
13. Proposal for UMCC Workshops from Joint Learning Plan: We have qualified trainers on the Wing. Many union members have taken the course, but we don’t have a lot of members from the managerial side. It’s an opportunity for the management and union to learn each others’ roles. It is important for Majors and above who fill managerial roles with civilian employees, as well as the Squadron LogO. As some units start holding unit level UMCC meetings it will be beneficial to have the lower levels attend the course. DWComd will come up with a plan of what is needed, and what levels are required to help identify the candidates that should go on the JLP course. Ensuring we cover the units that will be running unit level UMCC meetings, and new members to the committee.
14. Grievance Reports for the Wing Update: The Union Presidents asked for an update on the civilian grievances currently open on the Wing. Maj van Oostrum indicated that they used to be discussed at the UMCC meetings but due to concerns over privacy and confidentiality they were removed four to five years ago. Maj van Oostrum holds the log on behalf of the Wing and managers are welcome to come ask questions or have discussions in reference to the grievance anytime, but they will not be discussed in this forum.
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ITEMS FROM THE FLOOR
15. LCol Norris shared that there seems to be a discrepancy in terms of safety reporting and what RPOps can do to rectify a lot of the issues. They would like to highlight that there are resources in equity in terms of solving some of these problems, and it doesn’t always sit well with our public service partners. Col Vachon responded that RPOps is doing what they can with what they have, but like everywhere they are underfunded, they have assured Col Vachon that their messaging remains the same. If it is health and safety, then it is their main priority. If safety concerns are brought up through the unions or the chain of command, then Col Vachon can engage at his level with RPOps. If they are not responsive then Col Vachon can go up his chain of command to 1 CAD, who in turn can reach out to Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment), ADM(IE).
16. Chad Lacoste shared that he had members during the winter months express concerns about the snow and ice clearing (SNIC) on the Wing. In some instances, the snow and ice wasn’t being cleared until after 0900-1000hrs. He was approached by members asking if they could refuse to go into work if the sidewalks and parking lot were not cleared of snow and ice as they were concerned about slipping and falling. He advised them to file a safety report but does not know of any being filed. The committee responded when it is right outside of the building it is the unit’s responsibility to clear and the larger areas, parking lots, and runways are done by contracted operators. The SNIC team is great and if you call them, they will rectify it quickly, however, there just wasn’t enough operators this year and some who accepted declined at the last minute. This year was very unpredictable with weather and snow accumulation.
17. Date of Next Meeting – June 2025
18. Adjournment – Meeting was adjourned at 1517hrs.
L.B. Vachon S. Harrigan C. Lacoste
Colonel UNDE President PIPSC President WComd Chairperson Chairperson 568-5201 568-5396 568-3961
Dist List – Page 5
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Annexes :
Annex A Cultural Evolution Coordinator Report
Annex B Employee Assistance Program Report
Annex C Human Resources Management Committee Report Annex D Office of Disability Management Report
Dist List
Action
All members
Information
14 Wing/COs
1 Cdn Air Div HQ/A1 Civ Mgt
Brendalee Blaney
Union of National Defence Employees Ottawa ON
(via email blaneyb@unde.org)
Craig Smith
Regional Vice President Union of National Defence Employees Halifax NS (via email vp.ns@unde.org)
Donna Davis
Professional Institute of Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) Halifax NS (via email ddavis@pipsc.ca)
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Annex A
6007_6 (14 AMS CO AA)
Wing Culture Evolution Coordinator Report
Maj Backhouse
18 Mar 2025
Harassment
Changes for CAF members effective 01 Mar. Now both civilian and CAF cases handled through the WHVP. More changes and training forthcoming.
Employment Equity and Diversity general
Still seeking a civilian co-chair for the Defence Visible Minorities Advisory Group.
Defence Indigenous Advisory Group
Nothing to report this quarter.
Defence Advisory Group Persons with Disabilities
Nothing to report.
Defence Woman’s Advisory Organization
IWD 08 Mar, activities held at the Mess on Friday 07 March. Approx 50 members attended the flag raising and approx. 250 attended the presentation by Dr Bonner.
Defence Visible Minority Advisory Group
Africville visit was well attended and received.
Excellent panel discussion, unfortunately attendance we less than expected.
Defence Team Pride Advisory Organization
Nothing to report.
Additional Notes
As of 01 April, Maj Melissa Irvine will be taking over CEC duties.
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Annex B
6007_6 (14 AMS CO AA)
EAP Report UMCC – 18 Mar 2025
1) Local Stats:
01 Sept 24 – 28 Feb 25: Total Visits:
1 – Mental/Emotional Health (Coping with Medical Diagnosis of loved one) 1 – Work-Related (Workload/Environment)
2 – Family Related (Addictions)
2) Atlantic Stats:
The top 5 Primary presenting issues:
• Work
• Family
• Marital/Relationship
• Psychological
• Addictions
3) Homewood Health:
Coaching, Counselling and Support available 24/7. 1-800-663-1142
How to create your Digital Mental Health Platform account – Homeweb 1. Go to www.homeweb.ca
2. Select Department of National Defence and use code DND743 to sign up.
To connect with an EAP Peer Advisor, you can use one of these options below: Visit our SharePoint site: Peer Advisors (sharepoint.com)
Email the EAP positional mailbox: EAP-PAE@forces.gc.ca
4) EAP Promotion:
To arrange briefings, additional information or request promotional materials for your unit’s civilian staff please email kristine.veinotte@forces.gc.ca
Respectably Submitted by Kristine Veinotte, EAP Peer Advisor
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Annex C
6007_6 (14 AMS CO AA)
HRSC Report for UMCC – March 25
Funding
FY 24/25 – Allocation XXX ($XXX Baseline + $XXXX Div Op). 14 Wing is on-track to spend out full SWE allocation for this year and is anticipating the same level of funding next FY.
Staffing
Completed since Sep 2024 (last UMCC) – 52
Indeterminate – 7
Terms – 4
Term Extensions – 13
Student Extensions - 1
Casual – 24
Long-term acting - 2
Reclassification - 1
Current Vacancies (Indeterminate) – 5
Upcoming Vacancies (employee has submitted resignation/retirement paperwork to CoC) - 2
The Wing utilizes the full range of staffing mechanisms to fill vacancies as is deemed appropriate for each specific position. These include priority, accommodation, internal and external advertised and non-advertised processes, deployments and other PS hiring initiatives (Military Spousal Employment Initiative, Student/Bridging, Employment Equity). HR requires that the hiring managers look for suitable candidates through all other sources before approving the creation of a new pool. 14 Wing employees should continue to apply for National Pools.
Wherever possible the Wing backfills positions where there is a long-term LWOP situation with casuals or terms.
Classification
ECs submitted to 1 CAD - 5
Positions under review - 1
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Annex D
6007_6 (14 AMS CO AA)
Office of Disability Management Slide
