Human Resources Manual - 303 - Joint Consultation
Contents
Introduction
- A joint consultation process exists to deal with matters of mutual concern in the workplace. Joint consultation meetings occur between the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the Union of Northern Workers (UNW), as well as the Government and the Northwest Territories Teachers' Association (NWTTA) as often as mutually required.
- The purpose of consultation is to develop and encourage the exchange of information and the discussion of concerns. Joint consultation committees have been established and operate at the executive, regional and/or local level to discuss matters of common concern.
Application
- These guidelines and procedures apply to all employees who are members of a bargaining unit except those employed by the NWT Power Corporation.
Guidelines
- The joint consultation process is not intended to replace the negotiation process or other formal channels of communications.
- Joint consultation may result in clarification of an existing policy or the development of new policies. Any material released or publicized as a result of a joint consultation meeting must be done so with the consent of the committee.
- Any agreement or recommendation to alter terms of employment, or Employer policies or practices, must be approved and signed by the President of the UNW or the President of the NWTTA, and the Director of Corporate Human Resource Services in the Department of Human Resources.
- At each committee level, the Government is represented by the Department of Human Resources and, as far as possible, by employees identified as managerial who are excluded from the bargaining unit. Employees' association representatives consist of officers of the bargaining agent or employees appointed by the employees' association.
- Committee meetings are held at a mutually agreed upon location at times agreed upon by the representatives and, where feasible, are scheduled during working hours.
Procedures
- Representatives on the consultation committee choose a chair (usually a representative from each side on a rotating basis).
- Each committee shall develop terms of reference for the approval of the Union/Association President and the Deputy Minister of the Department of Human Resources. Terms of reference will address mandate, membership, quorum and operation.
- The senior Employer representative and the senior Union/Association representative agree on an agenda prior to the meeting. Notice of the meeting, including time and place, is provided to the representatives at least one week in advance.
- Minutes of the meetings are distributed as determined by the consultation committee.
Authorities and References
Collective Agreement with UNW
Article 56, Joint Consultation
Collective Agreement with NWTTA
Article 27, Joint Consultation
Last Updated: January 2007