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Ottawa Citizen

Who decides who stays and who goes during workforce adjustment?

Article content In each individual department and agency, the responsibility to determine which positions are affected by workforce adjustment, lies with the deputy head. Article content Managers have the responsibility and authority, in consultation with human resources, to determine the merit criteria and assessment methods to be used in the SERLO process. They also evaluate and make decisions on who gets retained and who gets laid off. Article content Team leaders may be involved with the evaluation of their own team, which again exposes the process to favouritism and bias. Article content Before engaging in the SERLO process, the employer must establish a voluntary departure program for any workforce adjustment situation involving five or more employees in the same group, level or unit. Article content If five or more employees in the same work unit are deemed to be affected, the employer must determine if there any volunteers for departure with compensation. It is very important that employees understand this step prior to having to compete for their jobs. Article content Article content The SERLO process only causes more anxiety and stress to an already extremely stressful situation. It raises concerns of reprisals and the ugly truth of having to compete against a co-worker to keep your job — a job both you and co-workers have already been deemed qualified for. Article content A seniority-based process would be more transparent and equitable. Article content During DRAP (deficit reduction action plan), which was introduced by the Conservative government in 2012-14, the SERLO process was widely used to eliminate close to 40,000 jobs and it was a complete disaster. Article content If the Liberal government is intending on going ahead with the announced cuts, they would be well advised to consider changes to the SERLO process. Article content Employees in all departments and agencies are worried about their futures; however, the workforce adjustment directive provides them with certain rights and outlines the employers' obligations. Article content Article content Remember, if you receive a letter telling you your position is impacted by workforce adjustment, that does not mean you will necessarily lose your job. But you will need to understand what happens next in the process. Article content Many of the federal public service unions have updated their websites to include the latest information on the SERLO process. The National Joint Council has information available. The Public Service Commission website also includes a managers' guide that is also helpful for employees. Article content Unfortunately, workforce adjustment situations will be a reality in the federal public service in the coming months and years, and it will be very stressful. Article content If you need help, reach out to your union, a co-worker or a friend. Sometimes it helps just to talk it out.