As was indicated in a previous article, the Administrative Support Positions Review (ASPR) was developed to examine positions, mainly within Federal Policing, to determine whether the work descriptions were complete and current and to develop new generic work descriptions that would be applicable throughout the Force.
Since that time – and as a result of the Deficit Reduction Action Plan – the RCMP has decided to revamp the way in which federal policing is carried out. As such, new programs and structures will come into play and Divisions have been given certain flexibilities under this re-engineering project.
While a date of April 1, 2013 was initially given to Divisions to have a structure in place, certain Divisions took an aggressive stance; some have structures in place, while others have yet to begin.
Considering the flexibility that has been given to Divisions to develop their own structure, it has become increasingly difficult for the National Working Committee to consult with employees as to what constitutes a complete and current work description. This is mainly due to the fact that some positions will be new; some will change from what they currently are – all depending on the structure that will be put in place.
In a recent meeting with the RCMP, they advised that there will be an independent review of the new structure(s) next spring and it is their intent to take a second look at the possibility of developing national generic work descriptions within 18 months.
What does that mean, then, for our current members working within federal policing units? The development of new work descriptions will still take place. The National Working Committee which is made up of representatives from both the RCMP and USGE would provide oversight to ensure that consistency is applied. Joint communiques will be developed and consultation will take place with regional and local USGE Representatives. We are currently in the process of developing Terms of Reference to guide the National Working Committee in their work.
The question of retroactive dates (should a position be upgraded to a higher level) was also discussed at our most recent meeting and, for the most part, that date appears to be the implementation date for the re-engineering project within the Division. That said, management has committed to developing generic work descriptions for the period of time employees may have performed duties of a higher classification level prior to the re-engineering structure being put in place.
One thing is certain; our members are entitled to receive a complete and current copy of their work description. While this project has taken a number of different directions along the way, some of which were very frustrating, USGE is committed to ensuring your best interests are represented and kept at the forefront while this review is being undertaken.