What is Consultation?
Consultation involves meaningful discussion between representatives from both the Local and the employer. The purpose is to take account of each others’ viewpoints on issues before employer decisions are made. When feedback from the Local helps improve a decision, due credit and recognition should be given. Likewise, if a Local’s ideas and views are rejected, the reasons for doing so should be clearly explained. Sometimes, there may be political, policy or financial reasons for not agreeing with Local representatives.
This quick reference document will assist you in the do's and don'ts of consultation. Its primary goal is to ensure that you can have productive workplace relations with the employer while respecting the jurisdictional boundaries of your Local's authority.
Principles and Values
- The opinions of the employer and Local are valued and respected.
- Almost any subject related to labour relations is appropriate for discussion.
- The parties seek cooperative solutions to labour-management issues.
- The underlying assumption is that consultation is real. Both parties have to work together before and throughout the planning process to develop options and recommend solutions.
Benefits
- Promotes harmonious relations between the Local and the employer.
- Provides a forum for the open discussion of issues of common interest and for the resolution of workplace problems affecting members.
- Addresses workplace issues at the source.
Limitations
- The Local has no authority to take any action which would amend, alter or interpret any provision of the collective agreement.
- The Local will not deal with specific on-going grievances.
- Any Local matter that remains unresolved shall be referred to a higher-level consultation forum (e.g., regional or national). If no such forum exists, the matter should be referred to the Regional Vice-President.
- Employer policies must be dealt with at the UNE national level, rather than by the Local.
Terms of Reference
- Terms of Reference must be established for all Local Labour Management Consultation Committees.
- Terms of Reference must be reviewed by the assigned UNE National Labour Relations Officer prior to signing.
- Memorandums of Agreement must be approved by the UNE National Labour Relations Officer prior to signing.