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EMC PEI Consortium

OfflineJackie Kelly

PEI members met at Testori Americas, in Summerside, to hear Geordie Raine of Montana Consulting talk about just and fair discipline in our plants.

100_1390-1.jpgThe morning started with Geordie explaining the differences in establishing discipline between union and non-union workplaces. In the non-union world, there is no basis to dispute the discipline unless it violates the law. In the union world, discipline must be for just cause and may be appealed to arbitration. Both arbitrators and judges base their decisions on the same basic element or "Just Cause".

Step 1 - "Wrong" - You must prove that the conduct was wrong

Step 2 - "Known to be wrong" -…

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OfflineJackie Kelly

Continuous improvement tool, A3, was the hot topic on the Island this past St. Patrick’s Day. Members from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island gathered at Vector Aerospace to learn more about the tool they are using for problem-solving.

Vector Aerospace Engine Services - Atlantic is a fully-authorized Pratt & Whitney Canada (PWC) Distributor & Designated Overhaul Facility for the PT6A & JT15D engine series, as well as a PWC Designated Overhaul Facility for the PW100 engine series. Vector is committed to being the benchmark against which maintenance, repair and overhaul businesses are measured. The fundamentals of Vector's philosophy are to build and deepen relationships with customers and OEMs by providing superior…

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OfflineJoan Richard

Without exception, the challenge of managing attendance issues is one where organizations want, and need, to improve. The ability to produce and deliver efficiently and on time depends very much on whether employees, at all levels of the organization,come to work.

In approaching this topic and discussions on how best to manage attendance issues, it seems important to explore the reasons the people DO NOT show up for work. Through round table discussions, the following were pinpointed:

  • Stress
  • Coping Skills
  • Illness
  • because it's not important
  • personality Conflicts
  • Because they can
  • Boredom
  • Lack of Commitment and Engagement
  • Challenge of off shift / family
  • Family Illness
  • Some see sick time as a benefit - an entitlement
  • Don't feel needed
  • Unhappy…
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OfflineJoan Richard

Prince Edward Island Manufacturers are committed to continuous Improvement in Processes, HR practices and health & Safety. For this first event of 2010, Transcontinental Printing, in Borden, welcomed manufacturers to their facility to share both business and continuous improvement successes.

 

Bruce MacDougall (Plant Sales Manager) and Jeff Ainslie (Continuous Improvement Specialist) of Transcontinental provided attendees with an overview of this facility as well as details around their commitment to 5-S and continuous Improvement.

Bruce began with a history of the facility, noting both the good business years and the challenging ones. Throughout the ups and downs, Bruce humbly attributes continued success and survival in a challenging sector, to the dedication, team work and…

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OfflineJoan Richard

What a 'treat' it was to be able to tour COW's new facility in Charlottetown and to see a bit behind the scenes of what they do so well. Thank you to Jackie for welcoming the group to her facility and providing an opportunity to learn more about the company. Although the tour and information was great I would have to say that the ice cream sampling was a highlight!

The purpose of this event was to discuss the challenges that we have in our workplaces trying to manage a multi generational workforce. Special thanks to George Raine of Montana HR for offering his expertise to this topic.

I commonly hear the comment that there is a perceived lack of work ethic within the younger generations. I have had the opportunity to chat with George in the past and appreciated his approach on this topic. That being that there may not be a 'lack' but a 'difference' in that…

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OfflineJoan Richard

In a previous article, the Trout River Industries' 'Employee Days' were highlighted as a component of the Trout River 101 employee development process. In a recent event, the PEI members and guests were invited to an overview of the entire process and how the components fit together. As guests arrived, the first view was of a display screen welcoming them as a representative of their organization to the event. That is, in my mind, attention to the details that make folks feel 'special'.

Could it be that this attention to detail surrounding the 'people' behind their customers, supplies, employees, etc. contributes to their success? I will continue to ponder....

Welcome display at front Entrance

Crystal and Darrin have recently provided their time for members and guests in our Southern NB Consortium at the Irving Wallboard plant and, although the message was the same, the take-aways seemed to differ somewhat.

 

The two points very forefront in the PEI event were;

  • this is what we want…
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OfflineJoan Richard

Over the past couple of years, it has been my pleasure to be associated with the folks of Trout River Industries. They have continuously participated, shared, learned and supported the EMC group of companies on PEI. In the small village of Coleman PEI sits a World Class Organization with philosophies, practices and goals second to none. This company truely believes in the well being of employees and they strive to greate a culture of Pride; in self, in company and in the community.

Trout River Industries, Coleman, PEI

This past August, an entire week was dedicated to an Employee Developement Program (yes, production was shut down) titled 'Trout River 101" days.

Trout RiverGair Maxwell - Fundy GroupCrystal  Matheson- HR Manager 
The Goal - Employee Optimization

The Process - A full week of Activity dedicated to the development of Employees.

Components focused on;

  • Attitude and Respect
  • Working as a Team
  • Understanding Flow and Waste
  • Communication
  • Understanding Personalities
  • Role Models…
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OfflineJoan Richard

In response to our member needs, EMC delivered two information Sessions regarding the SR&ED Program this week to both members and non-members. It appears as though many have an overall lack of information regarding this program that has resulted in the loss of opportunity.

As a beginning point, it is important to understand the Goals of the SR&ED program from a CRA perspective;

• To encourage research & development in the private sector
• To increase the technology base in Canada
• Increase Canada's competitiveness in the global markets
• To stimulate domestic economic growth
• To create employment opportunities in R&D

 Throughout the process of the event, discussions evolved around the following;

  • The SR&ED Program: Why You Should Care
  • The…
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OfflineJoan Richard

Chad Metcalf of Value Stream Solutions provided an information event outlining areas where our organizations can strategically manage to maximize resources through tough Economic times.

During Chad's presentation he outlines the dynamics of a current state reality that several Manufacturers are facing;

  • Uncertainty
  • Lower sales and revenue
  • Credit and Financing difficulty
  • Cash Flow Pressures and Concerns
  • Excess Capacity
  • Layoffs and downsizing
  • Nervous Employees.

Chad elaborated on various opportunities in our facilities to help manage some of these concerns but highlighted the following;

 

  • Be Leaders
  • Involve people
  • Focus on your customers
  • Map out your Value Streams (understand the processes)
  • Hig…
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OfflineJoan Richard

Once again Tim Kelly, of Workplace Health Outcomes, has provided his time and expertise to EMC to discuss the components that will allow organizations to move closer to being that '; Employer of Choice'.

The first step in this process included defining what an 'Employer of Choice' really is;

An Employer of choice is a company or organization where employee actions are directly aligned with business goals, employees feel appreciated and valued for their hard work, and where their contributions are acknowledged and rewarded.

The goal is to have people join the organization, perform to their full ability, adapt to positive change and progress and to stay with the company long term. The components…

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