Staff Report #11
April 13, 2023
To All Commissioners
Re: 2023 Work Program – First Quarter Update
Recommendation
That the report be NOTED and FILED.
Background
The 2023 Work Program was approved by the Commission at the January 25, 2023 meeting. The Work Program format categorizes initiatives into each of the five strategic outcomes established in the Commission’s 2019-2022 Business Plan as set out below.
- An Integrated, Affordable and Valued Mobility Choice
- An Engaged, Diverse and Respectful Workplace
- Demonstrated Fiscal Accountability
- Being Open, Understood and Transparent
- Effective Utilization of Infrastructure
The remainder of the report provides commentary with respect to the items on the 2023 Work Program that were scheduled to be completed by the end of the first quarter. In the event that detailed reports have been provided on specific Work Program initiatives, the Staff Report is referenced on the Work Program Summary update set out in Enclosure I. It should be noted that, other than the mandatory financial projects related to year-end and year-end analysis and reporting, there is not a significant number of projects that are scheduled for completion in the first quarter.
6.1 Annual Performance Report – Grievances 2019-2022
Grievances are reviewed annually to determine potential trends and issues and assess labour relations. Grievances are a tool to resolve problems with the bargaining agent effectively and are not seen as a negative issue. The Parties (ATU Local 741 & Management) have one outstanding grievance pending Arbitration. All other matters were either resolved, awarded, withdrawn or denied. Based on the assessment and subsequent report, no findings or recommendations are noted, as the Parties have worked well together to manage issues as they arise.
6.5 Annual Performance Report – Corporate Training
In 2022, the Corporate Training team prioritized new onboarding training programs due to the need to recruit. In Operations, approximately 70 new hires completed the New Operator Onboarding Program in Fleet and Facilities, 12 skilled and semi-skilled employees completed the Fleet Onboarding Program, and in Administration, seven employees completed the Administrative Onboarding Program. 2022 was a record year in hiring; the majority of time was spent ensuring these new employees have the skills and abilities required to perform their positions successfully.
Other key initiatives in 2022 included completing the Relief/Management Supervisor Refresher Program for Fleet and Facilities. The completion of the Critical Incident Stress Management Refresher Program for all Operations management staff and requisite Peer Support. In addition, all Operators underwent enhanced training for operating articulated buses in snow conditions and training on the operation of new communications systems on the buses.
In 2023, the Corporate Training team will continue to focus on new onboarding training programs, as recruitment and selection remain a priority for the organization. Several new initiatives will focus on the development and delivery of management training programs emphasizing best practice to motivate employees in a respectful and supportive manner, and the development of new programs focusing on overall customer service internal to the organization.
7.11 a) Update 2023 Performance Measures and Targets – Annual performance targets are established as part of the Business Planning Process, and as such, the 2023 targets will be included in the draft Business Plan as discussed in the next bullet.
8.1 Prepare Draft 2023-2026 Business Plan – Administration has begun work on the 2023-2026 Business Plan, which is anticipated to be presented to the Commission in draft at the May 2023 meeting. Historically, the four-year plan has been tabled with the Commission in March; however, given the heightened interest of the current municipal council in public transit services as demonstrated in the City of London Strategic Planning exercise, administration is awaiting the final Strategic Plan to be approved by municipal council in order to ensure all of the desired outcomes in that plan relating to public transit are incorporated in the LTC Business Plan.
It is anticipated the Draft 2023-2026 Business Plan will be tabled with the Commission at the May 31, 2023 meeting, at which time the Commission for discussion and consideration.
Enclosure
I – 2023 Work Program – First Quarter Update
Recommended by:
Mike Gregor, Director of Finance
Katie Burns, Director of Planning
Joanne Galloway, Director of Human Resources
Craig Morneau, Director of Fleet & Facilities
Shawn Wilson, Director of Operations
Concurred in by:
Kelly S. Paleczny, General Manager