HR Subcommittee..... What's all the fuss about!

I endorse Ramara council's 4-3 decision, at their Dec. 17th session, to create an HR subcommittee. In doing so council has directed Comrade Ricky to establish "terms of reference" for this new body. Council did not establish a timeframe for Ricky to respond, and who knows when he will comply to council's demand, since he fears tresspass into his personnel domain. This couldn't be further from the truth. Shame on Da Baz to raise the spector of unionization of municipal staff, at last nights meeting, in order to get his fellow councillors to vote no.

Fear not Comrade Ricky. Council is just looking to give you guidence, that all. This subcommittee is one of policy review and not policy enforcement. This role of oversight is well within council's clearly defined mandate. When was the last time council undertook a review of current HR policies? Where do these policies reside? Who can view these policies? Do these policies ensure the township hires, trains and retains the best possible talent? Are these policies complient with current government regulations? Has a risk assessment been undertaken of these policies to ensure that they protect the township from exposure to litigation? What are the policies regarding renumeration? How is staff evaluated, and who is responsible for making these evaluations?

I could go on and on. The mandate for this HR subcommittee will be to create a body of knowledge that covers all aspects of labour relations. I take it that Clr. Neher had some un answered concerns about these matters. She was successfully able to convince a majortity of council that this void of info needs to be addressed. The subcommittee will address this void. This is good policy.

The creation of an HR subcommittee is a good proactive step. These policies will guide township staff. Once policies are enacted council's role will come to an end. Then it will be Comrade Ricky's job to see that these policies are complied with. This is not micromanagement, this is good governance.