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FI NEWS : January 2002
Universal Classification Standard (UCS)
"If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood and then not assign them proper tasks and work."
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
On March 8, 2000, the Universal Classification Standard Division (UCSD) of the Treasury Board of Canada (TBS) posted an update on the UCS on its Web site. This update detailed the next four steps in the UCS implementation plan:
- Late March, 2000 - TBS to notify departments that the conversion process can begin;
- June 2000 - Employees be given Advanced Personal Notification (APN) of their proposed UCS occupational group and level;
- Fall 2000 - Official Notification to all public servants; and
- Early 2001 - Conversion of pay.
In early May, 2000, the UCSD posted another update on its Web site indicating that things were progressing, and that there were still 3 steps remaining in the process:
- Advance Personal Notification;
- Official Notification; and
- Conversion of Pay.
It's interesting to note that in this update, no timelines or deadline were assigned to the steps.
On May 31, 2000, Mr. Frank Claydon, the Secretary of the TBS, released an announcement to all public servants, providing an update on the UCS. Mr. Claydon indicated in this announcement that the government had made the decision, at the behest of various departments, to allow time for all parties to "invest more effort to make sure we have accurate and consistent evaluations of your work. This is not a decrease in our commitment to classification reform, but we need to take the time to make sure we do it right." Once again, no mentions of any revised dates regarding implementation or conversion were mentioned.
Finally, on December 20th, 2001, Mr. Claydon issued another announcement, stating that "At each step of our modernization process, new challenges arise that require us to take the time to think through and resolve. This has, unfortunately, meant delays in our original timelines." Mr. Claydon went on to state that he was "still committed to getting it right", and that he would keep all parties informed as to new developments.
This announcement, now a calendar year old, was the last communiqué to originate from the Board. All that has circulated since are whispers and rumours, ranging from UCS implementation being limited to Table 1 groups (Program Administration), to the whole UCS initiative being "delayed" until 2003 at the earliest. Needless to say, the rumour mill will continue grinding in this fashion until official word comes down from on high as to the status of this now-floundering initiative.
Despite the current situation, you may rest assured that the Association remains concerned about the potential impact of UCS on the membership, and we will continue to monitor events. In the meantime, all FIs are, as always, strongly encouraged to review their work descriptions (WDs) and ensure they accurately reflect the work they do. If any member encounters difficulties with management in regards to their WDs, or have any questions regarding UCS, they may contact the Labour Relations Program of the Association.
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