HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO-10-005 - Human Resources Policies ReviewREPORT
REPORT TO:
Finance & Corporate Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING:
May 10, 2010
SUBMITTED BY:
Tracey Hare Connell, Executive Director, People Services and
Organizational Development
PREPARED BY:
Lesley Bansen, Manager, Human Resources
WARD(S) INVOLVED:
n/a
DATE OF REPORT: March 2, 2010
REPORT NO.: CAO - 10-005
SUBJECT:
HUMAN RESOURCES POLICIES REVIEW
RECOMMENDATION:
That the changes dated May 10, 2010 to the Human Resource Policies outlined in
Schedule “A” of Chief Administrator’s Office report CAO-10-005, dated March 2, 2010, be
approved.
BACKGROUND:
A comprehensive review of all policy documents related to the human resources of the
corporation is typically undertaken on a two to three year cycle under the oversight of the
Human Resources division. Approximately seventy (70) Human Resources policies govern the
conduct of all staff employed by the City of Kitchener. On an ongoing basis, and as required, a
policy change, addition or amendment may be brought forward to council for approval. Changes
or additions may be precipitated by organizational change; environmental change; legislative
change, collective agreement changes and/or change directed by corporate management or
council. For unionized staff a collective agreement represents a set of separate policies that will
bind the union and the corporation for the term of that agreement. Where there is a conflict
between the Human Resources policies and a collective agreement, the collective agreement
will prevail.
The last completed review of the Human Resources Policies took place in 2005. An internal
audit of Human Resources was requested by Council in late 2007 with a particular interest in
the effectiveness of HR policies. A policy review, initiated in 2007, was put on hold until the
audit was completed. When the audit results were reported at the end of October 2008, the
policy review resumed, taking into account the audit recommendations for policy amendments,
deletions, updates, or, in some instances, combining two or more policies.
REPORT:
A comprehensive policy review process was re-initiated by the Human Resources over the
course of 2009. The work effort spanned a series of months and involved inputs and resources
as necessary from both inside and outside of Human Resources. All recommended additions,
deletions and/or changes were reviewed with the corporate management team in advance of
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finalizing the recommendation to council. While some of the recommended changes are minor
in nature, there are also some more significant changes and/or new policies also advanced for
approval, e.g. Violence in the Workplace.
For the benefit of Council, the binder accompanying this report captures the policies in a
manner that groups them into 5 categories as follows:
-New
-Amended
-Marked for Deletion
-Ownership/Accountability Transfer
-No Change
Carefully drafted and standardized policies related to the people resources of the corporation
establish a clear set of expectations for both staff and management. Policies should operate as
a series of “living documents” that reflect and support the culture and strategic directions of an
organization. Existing policies may need to be expanded, supplemented, and revised from time
to time, between periods of formal review, as environmental, legislative and/or business
conditions change.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Not Applicable
COMMUNICATIONS:
Following Council’s adoption of the Policies, the Human Resources division will develop a broad
communication plan to educate and enhance staff and management awareness.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY:
Tracey Hare Connell, Executive Director, People Services and
Organizational Development
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SCHEDULE “A”
Human Resources Policy Review
1.New Policies
Inclusive Recruitment And Hiring Practices
Religious Observance Leave
Violence In The Workplace
2.Amended Policies
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Attendance & Absence From Work
Benefits And OMERS Pension Plan
Compensation – 40 Hour Premium Payment
Compensation – Pink & Red Circling
Conflict Of Interest
Consecutive Hours For Voting
Discharge For Cause
Drugs And Alcohol
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Complaints Resolution
Employee File – Official Record
Employee Status – Definitions
Employment Of Relatives Of Staff Members And Elected Officials
Employment – Service Date
Employment Termination Date
Hiring – Notice Of Job Vacancy
Hours Of Work & Rest Periods
Human Rights
Inclement Weather
Internet, Electronic Mail, Telephones & Wireless Communication – Acceptable Use
Leaves Of Absence
Overtime And Premium Payments
Probation – Non-Union, Management
Retirement
Sick Leave, Family Medical Leave And Workplace Safety And Insurance Board (WSIB)
Specified Holidays
Technological Change
Vacation
Years Of Service Recognition Program
Conferences, Seminar And Meeting Attendance And Expenses
Electronic Hardware And Software Installation
Employee Computer Purchase Plan
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Personal Vehicle Use - Reimbursement
Smoke Free Work Environment
3.Deleted Policies
Compensation – Job Evaluation
Compensation – Salary Administration
Critical Injuries Or Fatalities
Driving – Hours Of Service
Education – Minimum Standards
Employment – Human Rights
Hiring – Senior Management Offer Of Employment
Hiring – Senior Management – Vacancy
HIV Disease
Job Unpaid Work Placement/Third Party Work Placements
Safe Operating/Driving
Workplace Conduct
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