Author: anju parmar

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National Day of Mourning – April 28, 2019

CUPW Shows Respect

The National Day of Mourning, held annually on April 28, is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness on the job. This annual event was initiated by the labour movement  35 years ago to increase awareness of on-the-job injuries and fatal workplace accidents. This day of remembrance was officially recognized by the federal government in 1991, six years after it was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) in 1985.

While the National Day of Mourning is now recognized in over 100 countries, including Canada, and is observed each year, there is still a lot of work to accomplish in order to improve workers’ safety. Even though a number of Canadian legislative provisions dealing with occupational health and safety are recognized internationally, and that in 2017 the Canadian government had provided extra resources to ensure they are applied, there is still much work to be done. ­

At Canada Post, the statistics speak for themselves. Based on the available data, the Corporation still holds the dubious record of having the highest rate of disabling injuries among federal sector employers, a rate more than double that of the employer with the next highest rate. It is time for employers to make all efforts to work with your union to improve safety. Canada Post must ensure that our members can work in safe conditions and go home.

On Sunday, April 28, 2019, wherever we are, let us take a few minutes to remember those who lost their lives, suffered injury or became disabled on the job. We must all commit to continuing the struggle to force employers and governments to fulfill their obligation to make every workplace a safe and healthy one. We must also continue seeking stronger health and safety standards and protection, and better enforcement in our workplaces.

An injury to one is an injury to all!

In solidarity,

Marc Roussel

National Union Representative, Health and Safety

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ARBITRATION UPDATE

April 4, 2019

Bulletin # 074

ARBITRATION DAY 8

Testimony

Day 8 of the arbitration started with the cross examination of letter carrier and negotiating committee member, Stephen Gale.

The next witness was Roland Dandy, a letter carrier from Hamilton, ON. Roland testified about having to work overtime on his route almost every day. He attributed this to heavy volumes of parcels and the preparation and delivery of neighbourhood mail. There will be testimony from two experts on one bundle delivery and percentage of coverage.

Roland was followed by Director of Research and member of the negotiating committee, Geoff Bickerton who testified on the history of the RSMC organizing, the first collective agreement and the three reopeners.

Timelines

On April 10 and 23 the arbitration will continue with some of the RSMC issues.

We estimate that it will take at least 10 more hearing days to present all the Union’s evidence on the matters in dispute. This does not take into account the Corporation’s cross examination of our witnesses.

After that, Canada Post will present its evidence and then there will be final arguments. Minister Hajdu granted Arbitrator MacPherson’s first request to extend her appointment.

Your Actions Are Needed

We need to send messages to Canada Post’s new President and CEO Doug Ettinger to get him to tell his negotiator’s to get back to the table and negotiate. Send letters, make phone calls, send emails and be heard.

Canada Post – There is Still Time to Negotiate!

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Volunteers Needed!

The Vancouver local will be attending “Car Free Day” on Commercial Drive on July 7th. Our booth will be featured at both events, and we will need volunteers to help promote our Union in the community. No experience necessary!

Anyone who is interested and able to spare a few hours of their time contact the Organizing Director at [email protected]  with what times and dates you are available.

Car free day – Commercial Drive, Vancouver 10am to 8pm July 7, 2019

More info at: http://www.carfreevancouver.org

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International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 21, 2019

In 1966, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 21st as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The UN Assembly called on the international community to strengthen its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.

The recent tragedy in New Zealand reminds us all that racial discrimination kills. But it’s not an isolated event. Quebec City, Charleston, Pittsburgh, Finsbury Park, and countless more have to lead to a firm acknowledgement, racial discrimination needs to be fought vigorously with all our energy.

Numerous politicians, public opinion leaders, columnist promote anti-immigrant, anti-refugee, xenophobic, anti-Semitic and Islamophobia rhetoric.  Words that validate views of too many of our fellow citizens, our neighbours and even members of our own families.

Enough is enough. The world cannot continue this way and it is up to all of us to work together to put a stop to this venom that’s poisoning our world.

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and have the potential to contribute constructively to the development and well-being of their societies.

We can no longer stand in silence when we witness acts of intolerance or violence against our fellow humans.

Speak up. Show empathy and solidarity. Let’s help each other out. We can be all leaders among our peers.

One voice can change the world.

In Solidarity,

Jan Simpson

1st National Vice-President

2015-2019 Bulletin #514

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LATEST ARBITRATION NEWS

March 22, 2019

Bulletin # 073

DAY 7 

On March 19, the day started out with a visit to the Kanata Depot with Arbitrator MacPherson. The purpose of the visit was to show not only the work environment of Letter Carriers, RSMC’s and PO4’s, but to also to allow the Arbitrator to see an actual facility with all the mail products and how it is processed for delivery. 

Tuesday’s Testimony

After the visit to the Kanata depot, the hearing continued with the testimony of Sharon Mackey, a PO4 (postal clerk) from St. John’s, NF. Sharon told her story about giving up her letter carrier job, which she loved, to take a PO4 position, working night shift, in the St. John’s mail processing plant so to avoid being harassed for not completing her route within 8 hours.

In the afternoon, Stephen Gale (letter carrier and member of the negotiating committee) testified to the Union demands for solutions to the Health and Safety issues overburdening has caused to letter carriers.

What’s Next 

The next hearing date is on April 2 and the day will begin with the Corporation’s cross-examination of Stephen Gale. After that we present evidence from Brother Roland Dandy, a Hamilton, ON letter carrier, about forced overtime on his route.

Also on April 2, we will begin our evidence on RSMC compensation, pay for all hours worked (including overtime), route restructures, workload and coverage of all absences. We still have many issues to present and we will continue to prepare evidence and witnesses for the upcoming dates.

Send CPC A Message – NEGOTIATE NOW!

 

 

 

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SSD CANCELLED!!

It was announced on March 21st, 2019 that the upcoming SSD restructure of the Harbour View Depot in North Vancouver has been CANCELLED! Separate Sort and Delivery is a system that doesn’t work on any level, especially for the worker.
Thank you to all the activists, Shop Stewards, and rank and file members who have tirelessly fought against SSD being implemented in Depots across Canada and especially in the Vancouver Local. With each SSD cancellation we win a great victory. Standing together on the work floor can make all the difference.

Solidarity,

Vancouver Local Executive