Professionals Making A Difference
The ORL Chapter is happy to report its new Executive of Fern Teleglow, Monica Gaucher, and Peter Bernauer. Fern and Peter remain acclaimed in their positions as Chairperson and Secretary-Treasurer, respectively, while Monica is the new Vice-Chairperson for the chapter.
PEA representatives on the PEA/Okanagan Regional Library Joint Standing Committee have had two conference calls to prepare for their next meeting in early September.
Our representatives on the committee have drafted proposed language for the administration of the Professional Development fund. If agreed to by the employer, this language would allow members to carry over unused funds to subsequent years.
The employer is facing recruitment issues for professional positions. As an example, the Library has posted the Furnishing and Equipment position as a clerk position. Previously this position was filled by a PEA member and the vacancy was originally posted as a Librarian position, however, there were no applicants. When Executive Director Leslie Dieno was asked why this position is now a clerk and a CUPE position, she indicated that the job description had been changed to remove Librarian duties. With the Librarian duties removed, the qualification requirements changed to increase the pool of applicants. The PEA has had preliminary discussions with the employer regarding the best way to address recruitment issues.
ORL will now be requiring Librarians to undergo a criminal record check. At the Joint Standing Committee meeting and on subsequent phone conversations, the Parties agreed to deal with any flags raised out of a criminal record check on a case by case basis. If any member has a question or concern about this matter, please contact Labour Relations Officer Barinder Rasode.
The PEA representatives on the Joint Standing Committee will also be proposing an amendment to Auxiliary Work Guidelines at the next Committee meeting. The amendment will assist the Branch Head to hire auxiliary staff as needed. Details on the amendment will be reported on after the next Committee meeting. Professional development, recruitment and retention on agenda for joint committee
The Joint Standing Committee, comprised of representatives of the PEA and ORL, met on June 10. PEA representatives plan to hold a conference call consultation with Labour Relations Officer Barinder Rasode regarding several issues.
Discussion items include a proposal allowing Librarians to manage $500 in professional development funds per year, to be accumulated for up to four years; changes to the Auxiliary Guidelines to allow the Kelowna, Vernon, and Salmon Arm
branches more control over their hiring; and recruitment and retention, as the employer has not been able to fill a number of vacancies. With respect to the latter issue, the PEA representatives on the committee intend to explore a number of options to propose to the employer.
