News - April 2006                    Previous Month         Following Month

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Current terms ‘grandfathered’ as AAFC abandons

two-year-to-indeterminate policy

We’re putting our own ‘stamp’ on things

New timeline for classification grievances

Term Position - Agriculture Union Service Officer

Current terms ‘grandfathered’ as AAFC abandons two-year-to-indeterminate policy

(Posted April 27, 2006)

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is abandoning its two-year-to-indeterminate policy. Instead, aligning itself with all other federal public service employers, it will henceforth require term employees to complete three years’ service before their conversion to indeterminate status.

AAFC cites problems with the old policy conflicting with Departmental priorities as a rationale for the changeover. There is anecdotal evidence that some managers have been using the two-year policy to circumvent fair and transparent hiring practices – such as by bringing staff in as terms without competition so that they roll over after two years.

However, employees who are currently terms in the Department will be grandfathered under the old policy and will be converted to indeterminate status after two years’ service.

While the target date for application of the new policy has yet to be set, May 31 is seen as likely. Any AAFC terms hired after that date will be rolled over as indeterminate after three years.

We’re putting our own ‘stamp’ on things

(Posted April 18, 2006)

The Agriculture Union is putting its own stamp on things. Literally.

As part of the celebrations marking our 40th anniversary, the National Office has worked with Canada Post to create a limited run of legal stamps featuring our official anniversary logo.

Here’s what they look like:

The suggestion came from our Union’s Communications Committee. As only a few of the special stamps were ordered, they are destined to become collectors’ items!

New timeline for classification grievances

(Posted April 5, 2006)

Agriculture Union members wishing to file classification grievances now have 35 days to launch the process.

Recent changes to the Public Service Labour Relations Act amended the time window from 25 days working days to 35 calendar days.

However, bear in mind that classification grievances deal only with the assignment of points to a statement of duties. They do not deal with the contents of the statement of duties itself.

One further limitation has not changed - classification grievances cannot proceed to adjudication. The results of the grievance hearing are final and binding.

Term Position - Agriculture Union Service Officer

(Posted April 4, 2006)

This competition is open to all Agriculture Union members.
It is also open to PSAC staff, Component staff and the general public in the National Capital Region.

Employment Type: 6 month Term – Starting May 2006
Classification: Level 10 or 11 (AEU unit XIX) – depending
on candidate’s experience and qualifications
Language: English
Salary: $67,672 to $83,416
Location: Ottawa

Position Summary:

Under the general direction of the National President of the Agriculture Union, provides advisory services and undertakes a wide variety of special projects on behalf of the President and the National Executive of the Agriculture Union. Consults with senior Employer representatives on problems relating to Collective Agreements, Classification, Managerial and Confidential Exclusions, transfers, salaries, working conditions, grievances, appeals, discipline and promotions. Investigates, reports and advises on special problems. Liaise with officials of various branches of the department.

Knowledge:

The job requires a knowledge of :
- the Public Service Labour Relations Act;
- the Public Service Employment Act and Regulations;
- the Public Service Superannuation Act and Regulations;
- the Canada Labour Code;
- the Financial Administration Act;
- the Public Service Health Insurance Programs;
- the Worker’s Compensation Board Acts and Regulations, Public Service Disability Insurance Program;

     Government Employees Compensation Act
- Treasury Board directives in connection with such matters as classification, pay, benefits, travel, isolated posts,

     relocation, crown housing and Occupational Safety and Health;
- Employer Staffing Policies;
- Agriculture Union Membership Collective Agreements;
- the Constitution of the PSAC and By-Laws of the Agriculture Union; and
- Grievance, Adjudication and Mediation procedures.

The work requires continuing study of a variety of Labour Relations texts, journals and periodicals in order to maintain a working knowledge of changing trends and developments. The work also requires the study of adjudication and appeals procedures and the application of legislation, regulations and directives of the Treasury Board, the Public Service Commission and the Public Service Staff Relations Board in order to effectively represent employees at Appeal Board hearing, Grievances and formal Adjudication Hearings before the Public Service Staff Relations Board.

Important:

All applications will be reviewed by a Screening Board. The Board’s determination will be based on the contents of the application. It will be the responsibility of the applicants to ensure that they include evidence of demonstrated ability by providing appropriate information and documents when applying.

In this respect, a résumé of past work history should include clear and concise statements of present and past duties and should include information with regard to achievements to indicate the candidate has the required knowledge and skills for the position.

Those best meeting the requirements as set out above will be contacted for an interview.

How to Apply:

Closing date: Wednesday April 19, 2006 - 3:30 pm.

Send application to:

Agriculture Union
1000-233 Gilmour Street
Ottawa, ON
K2P 0P2

or

Fax it to : 1-613-235-0517