Every year, the Corporation asks CUPW members to participate in an employee engagement survey. While seemingly well intentioned on the surface, these surveys are designed not only to pit members against one another for prizes, but also to gauge the temperature of the work floor in advance of negotiations. The CUPW Vancouver local is advising ALL members NOT TO PARTICIPATE.
But what if I participate to leave a negative review?
While we would all like the opportunity to tell the Corporation what we really think, their metrics are based on participation levels. Also, in years past, they have received negative reviews and promised change – change that has never materialized.
What about the prizes?
Nothing more than trinkets and tax write offs to the Corporation. These draws are meant to stoke competition amongst colleagues and divide our work floors. If all employees in a cell or section participate, they get an extra ticket for a draw. This puts pressure on those who do not feel like participating not to let others down. This is no different than draws of the past where the Corporation tries to incentivize not calling in sick, only this time, they are incentivising a divide. Anything that divides us weakens us at a time where we need to build our strength and solidarity.
Do not forget this is the same Corporation that has taken from its workers all year long and now wants to paint a rosy picture. The plant has lost day shift jobs, letter carriers are being forced into Separate Sort from Delivery, and Groups 3 and 4 were completely ignored in this survey. We as a Union cannot stand for divisiveness on our work floors.
How do I let my employer know that I am dissatisfied?
You can always invoke your right to complain under Article 9.07. but if you really want to make a statement, please come to ratify our package of demands this October. Wear a Union button on our work floors. Make your opinions on voting YES to strike known. You don’t have to remain quiet, but you don’t have to play the Corporation’s game by their rules in order to express your discontent. The best way to send a clear message is to send a message of silence. We want meaningful negotiations, livable wages and decent work conditions – not draws for lamps and coolers.
In Solidarity,
Anju Parmar, President