Transport Canada, RUMCC NCR

Draft Terms of Reference

Regional Union-Management Consultation Committee NCR

Purpose

These guidelines shall serve as the basis for joint consultations at the NCR regional level
Transport Canada is committee to meaningful and ongoing consultations with bargaining agent representatives on various issues that affect their members in the NCR Region
The objective of this committee is to promote constructive and harmonious relations between the parties by providing a formal forum for two-way communications and exchanges of ideas and information; to foster a partnership based on respect and mutual understanding; to proactively communicate information with respect to significant changes that have an impact (direct or indirectly) on employees; to collectively address workplace issues.

Guiding Principles

The parties agree to act in good faith and respect each others point of view and contribution
The parties are committed to strengthening the relationship and respect TC values during all discussions and exchanges
The parties shall make reasonable, sincere efforts to resolve issues at this level
This committee will function in a consultative capacity and communicate freely and respectfully in order to effectively address and resolve matters
Problems will be addressed at the lowest possible level and in a timely manner. This may include addressing matters with applicable management representatives rather than waiting for the next RUMCC meeting
When discussing issues, special attention will be made to respect the privacy of individuals as required; discussion of specific cases should be avoided at this forum

Membership

The committee will be co-chaired by a management and bargaining agent representatives
The secretariat function will be provided by the Human Resources
All seven (7) Bargaining Units will be invited to participate, namely Union of Canadian Transportation Employees (UCTE-PSAC); Canadian Federal Pilot Association (CFPA); Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC); Association of Canadian Financial Officers (ACFO); Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE) International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Canadian Air Traffic Control Association (CATCA);
Directors General or Directors representing the major Groups in NCR

Mandate/jurisdiction of the committee

All workplace issues may be subject to consultation except those issues under grievance or another redress mechanism; those for which another forum exists such as occupational health and safety
Local issues should not be discussed at this committee unless they have been raised and remain unresolved at the local level and/or with the appropriate management representative
Consultation is not intended to interfere or limit either management’s authority or its obligation to manage as well as the bargaining agent’s rights established pursuant to the Public Service Labour Relations Act or the collective agreements.
This committee may also be used to inform the parties of issues which may not necessarily have a consultation requirement
The parties may identify potential joint union-management initiatives
When the parties agree, a sub-committee composed of both management and union representatives may be established to carry out agreed to activities

Procedural Framework

Record of Meetings

The Secretary will prepare a written summary of meetings incorporating: items discussed, key discussion points, status, action taken or recommendations made.
The Secretary will distribute the summary, signed by the Co-Chairs, within 1 month following the meeting

Frequency of Meetings

Meetings will be held quarterly, every 3 months on the last Monday of the month
Ad hoc or special meetings may be organized in exceptional circumstances
An invitation and request for agenda items should be forwarded to participants 5 weeks in advance

Agenda Items

Agenda items will be submitted to the Secretary at least 3 weeks prior to the meeting with background information and desired outcome
Both Co-Chairs will finalize the agenda in consultation with the Director Labour Relations, Compensation and OHS

Quorum

There will be a requirement to have at least 3 bargaining agents available
Where decisions are required, there must be a quorum of 50% bargaining agents and 50% management

Language

Amendments

These terms of reference may be amended at any time following consultation with the Committee, preferably by consensus. If consensus is not possible, by vote.

References

This document must be read in conjunction with the TC Union Management Framework