In Attendance:

Tony Geoghegan, A/Regional Director

Wayne Ingle, Director of Program and Planning Integration

Al Campbell, Director, Human Resources

Melinda Wright, Manager, Human Resources

Robin Desmarais, Labour Relations Advisor, Human Resources

 

Jason McMichael, 4th National Vice President, CIU

Dave VanHelvert, President, Fort Erie District, CIU

Fred Milligan, President Niagara District, CIU

Mark Kuderian; President, Hamilton District, CIU

Stewart Saunderson, 2nd Vice President, London-Kitchener, CIU

 

Absent:

 

Mike Matuzic, President, London-Kitchener CIU

 

Opening:

Tony Geoghegan opened the meeting by welcoming all attendees and indicating that the intention is that this RUMC meeting will be the 1st of regularly scheduled meetings.

 

Item:  Terms of Reference

Management provided a copy of interim Terms of Reference outlining the process that RUMC meetings should follow.  It is noted that the National Terms of Reference are not yet signed – it is for this reason that the Terms of Reference presented are “interim”.  Once the National TOR is signed the NF/FE Region will adhere to those.  Management requested that committee members review the document and provide comments/concerns to Al Campbell via Email. 

 Management outlined that the frequency of the meetings will be four times per year.  The intention is for issues to be raised and addressed at the Local/District Level first.  If the issue is not resolved then that issue can be raised at the Regional Level (using for Y231 – including details of issue).

 The union raised the issue regarding the timeliness of receiving the minutes.  Management committed to providing the union with the minutes for their review within a two week period of the meeting.  The union committed to reviewing and commenting on the minutes within a two week period of receiving them.

 The union referred to the purpose of these meetings being “consultation”.  The union advised that in some cases management has made, and at times implemented, changes in the workplace without consulting the union – which falls outside of the Terms of Reference.  The union raised the issue that they feel there is no recourse should management deviate from these Terms of Reference.

 The union asked if the Agenda could include whether management or the union raised each item.  Management agreed.  The union also requested that the locations of the meeting could vary within the Districts.  Management agreed.

 The union, outlined that the Terms of Reference indicate that parties need to prepare in advance of the meeting and requested that they (for some there is difficulty when their work day is scheduled for them) be given time during the work day to prepare.  Management indicated that this issue would be discussed later.

 Item:  Update Regarding change of EDI function

Management outlined that one of the CBSA’s initiatives involves the centralization of the Targeting functions and the integration of various units to support Land Border commercial enforcement.  As part of this initiative the NF/FE region will be making changes in the processing of land border EDI – the consolidation of EDI to Hamilton District (Hamilton and Kitchener offices) on a 7/24 hour basis.  It is anticipated that the change will be implemented by March 2, 2009.

Management advised that teams including targetters, RIA’s Commercial Liaison officers will be created at Queenston Bridge and Peace Bridge.  This will allow Border operations to further support their targeting and enforcement efforts. 

 Management advised that Sarnia has already implemented this change in that London Airport has been responsible for EDI processing – and the centralization has proven effective for that region. 

 Management has reviewed the expected volumes of work and is confident in Hamilton’s ability to handle the workload while continuing to meet expected service standards.  In addition, management is confident that there will not be any need to change schedules nor any displacement of employees.  Management assure the union that this will be carefully monitored.

 The union requested that management conduct briefings with employees to alleviate some of their concerns. The union further requested that a union representative be permitted to attend all such meetings. It was decided that the Chiefs would meet with the appropriate union presidents/representatives in order to discuss/arrange briefings with employees.

 The union asked management to commit that if there is the need for additional resources that management will use new FTE’s and not move NF/FE employees.  Management committed to this.

 The union questioned whether there will be an increase in “off-loads”.  Management indicated that as part of this initiative in its entirety, it is anticipated that the new targeting teams will generate better referrals – therefore it is expected that this could result in an increase in “off-loads”.

 The union raised their concern that targeting be maintained regionally as often there are “region specific” targets.  Management agrees and indicates that regionally we are striving to achieve a string and robust targeting unit.  That being said, management can not commit to maintaining the function locally on a permanent basis – as this will be determined by Headquarters. 

Item:  Audio Mikes on Primary

The union advised that they have no concerns with having cameras on Primary however they are concerned with the audio mikes.  The union questioned whether all conversations would be recorded and questioned the legal implications.  The union also questioned if the audio mikes will be used against its members (i.e. to monitor employees).

 Management informed the union that the issue of audio mikes is currently being discussed in Headquarters and that the issue is currently being reviewed in the legal department.  There has currently been no decision made - as they are still researching the issues (legal and otherwise) associated with this initiative.  The intention, should it be determined that this initiative be implemented, is to run a “pilot”.  Management advised that the “pilot” is not scheduled to be in this region.

Item:  Changes to Armed and Dangerous Look-out policy

Management advised that changes to the policy involved the removal of the requirement for “vetting” by an Intelligence officer prior to the issuance of an Armed and Dangerous Look-out.  This will allow such look-outs to be input immediately as required.    Management advised that there is currently an online training product that was developed by the ATF on the subject of “how unarmed employees should deal with armed situations”.  Regionally, the intention is that all employee’s will be provided time to take this training whether they are armed or not.  In addition, management is looking at designing “high risk areas” at each work site.

 The union outlined their concern surrounding how management is/will handle such look-outs.  The union indicated that in some cases only armed officers are being used, while in other cases both armed and unarmed officers are being used.  The union indicated that unarmed officers who are faced with an Armed and Dangerous Look-out can initiate a “work refusal”.

 Management responded by suggesting that with time, as the number of armed officers increases, this issue will be lessened.  That being said, management indicated that there is no “local policy” regarding using only armed officers in cases of Armed and Dangerous look-out and as such we will continue to follow the National policy.

 The union questioned whether the training site in BC will be closing for 6 months for the Olympics and whether there was any truth to the rumour that there will only be 20 BSO’s from the region that will be trained for this fiscal year.  Management advised that there will be no arming courses held at the BC training site for the period leading up to, during and shortly after the Olympics, as this location will be used by the RCMP.  In addition, regarding the number of BSO’s who will be sent for training, the seat allocations for Arming has not yet been finalized for this fiscal.

 The union questioned whether a “regional training center” is being considered for NF/FE.  Management advised that currently an MOU is being reviewed at legal, concerning a range at Niagara College.  This range will require modifications in order to provide for the 25 meter requirement.  Management advised that funding has been secured for these modifications.  It is anticipated that this center will be ready by September 2009.  This center will be used for practice and recertification.

Item:  Marine Team 

Management advised that the NF/FE region will be creating 5 marine teams (with one Superintendent), out of the Hamilton/Kitchener district.  These teams will not be “on the water” per se, but rather will attend scheduled (including TRC calls) and unscheduled visits to the various Marina’s.  Management indicated that there has been no formal request by other law enforcement agencies to patrol with them.  In addition, in considering the enforcement actions taken while “on the water” in the past, very few are CBSA related offences.  That being said, management reminded that there is currently one CBSA employee working on IBET.

 The decision to draw the teams from the Hamilton/Kitchener District was based on fact that they have the available resources and as well the expertise.  These teams will be scheduled according to the hours of “boaters” and if an exam is required outside of these working hours the Districts will be expected to conduct any necessary exams. 

 The union questioned whether any of these BSO’s will be armed.  Management indicated that there may be one armed officer in the Hamilton/Kitchener district and furthered that this BSO can carry her firearm if she is on the team.  The union questioned whether BSO’s from the District, if/when called out, can carry their firearm.  Management responded by stating that it depends on the situation (risk) at the call and at the POE.  That being said, management indicated that this issue will again lessen with the increase in armed officers at the POE.

Round Table:

 Dave VanHelvert raised the following:

  1. It appears that management has been scheduling legacy CIC officers on Primary and at busses.  The union is concerned that there was no discussions with the union prior to implementing this change.
  2. As there are numerous officers who are cross-trained (Customs/Immigration) these BSO’s should be called for overtime.
  3. Superintendents should be informed not to schedule legacy Immigration BSO’s on primary when the need on Primary does not exist.  A situation arose where this had happened and the result was a delay at the Immigration counter
  4. Numerous BSO’s are being scheduled in busses when there is no need.
  5. Fort Erie needs to establish a District overtime call-out policy.
  6. Issue on February 16th (Family day) whereby, BSO’s from PB Commercial where told to work at RB.  The following problems were identified:

i.    BSO’s are entitled to travel (mileage, meals etc)

ii.    One BSO was advised to bring his tools home and return with them to work the next day. 

iii.    PB Commercial ran below minimums

  1. The new executive in Fort Erie would like to reiterate the request for a union office.  The union proposed some vacant offices and advised that they would like to see some movement on this issue. 
  2. Would like the opportunity for its members to work at the Vancouver Olympics.  Management advised that a “call letter” would be sent out advising employees that a process would be held to allow a certain number (12) BSO’s to work at Vancouver and GTA to perform their BSO duties during the Olympics.
  3. Request that Chief send out a letter addressing when employees can expect their cheques to reflect their new rate of pay and when they will be provided with the new Collective Agreement.

These issues have not yet been considered at the District Level.  Management advised that they would refer the items to the relevant manager to address at that level.

 Next meeting   

The next meeting was proposed for May 21st, 2009 in the Hamilton District. 

 

 

Anthony Geoghegan

A/ Regional Director, Niagara/Fort Erie

 

Jason McMichael, 4th National Vice President, Customs and Immigration Union

 

 

 

 

 

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