Author: Jennifer Savage

As my term comes to a close I wanted to take a moment to say a few words.

In my 4 years in office the Local has been through a lot. We saw many changes at the Pacific Processing Centre (the new state of the art facility that we outgrew before we moved in), we saw the continued roll out of Postal Transformation in our Letter Carrier depots, contracting out of work that our own members are qualified to do, the implementation of Canada Post’s 5 point plan, the elimination of the apprenticeship program, the roll out of SSD( Separate Sort from Delivery) at the North Fraser Depot, the opening of the Pacific International Facility,the expiry of 2 collective agreements and 2 rounds of collective bargaining, and most recently rotating strikes and back to work legislation.

The last 4 years have not been easy for anyone. As members on the floor you have increasingly had your work/life balance negatively affected by changes to your work methods and shift times that are not conducive to maintaining that work/life balance. Preparing for any potential job action whether it be a strike or a lock out is extremely stressful. There isn’t always enough money at the end of the day to save for times like these. Actually going on strike was first for many of you and whether it was the first time or the 5^th time it is unsettling to have to do that. It is also empowering.

When we got the call to go out you, the membership, came out to support. Some of you spent more time on the picket lines than you were required to. Many of you stepped up to help in whatever capacity the Union needed, in addition to your picket duty. You had an opportunity to spend time with your fellow members in a way we don’t normally get to, due to the nature of our work. Many new friendships were formed. Old ones were rekindled and most importantly you were supporting each other.

Together we are stronger than any of us is on our own. We need to continue to support each other. The Union is not just the activists, the stewards, the Executive. We are all the Union. There is a role for everyone whether it is attending meetings, keeping yourself and your co-workers informed, speaking up when you see something that isn’t right, participating on committees, organizing or activism. The fight for better working conditions and a better quality of work/life balance isn’t over yet. It will never be over as long as employers fail to respect their workers.

I got involved all those years ago because I didn’t like to see people being taken advantage of. I will continue to be involved for those same reasons.

During my term I have had an opportunity to work with many different people and I have learned from all of them. I have been fortunate for the mentorship and the support I have received over the years. I want to thank all of you for that support.

In closing, I hope that you all continue to support each other and your elected representatives. Our fight is far from over and we really are stronger together.

The struggle continues…….

In Solidarity,

Jennifer Savage    

With the recent election and changes to the local officer positions come changes to some of the contact information and portfolios. Below you will see the current contact info and portfolios of the local Officers.

When calling the hall, you will be prompted to press the number corresponding with the officer you wish to speak to and the call will go straight to their desk.

Extension numbers and Email Addresses:

President                    Chris Zukowsky        Extension #2              [email protected]

Consultation, Communication

1^stVP                           Blair Bancroft           Extension #1              [email protected]

External Staffing and Accommodations, Route measurement

2^nd VP                         Nick Aubichon          Extension #3              [email protected]

Internal Staffing and Accommodations, WCB, LTD, STD, Health and Safety

3^rd VP                         Anju Parmar             Extension #6              [email protected]

Staffing at the PPC and Glen Drive (Group 1, 3, and 4)

Secretary-treasurer   Michael Seney            Extension #4             [email protected]

Pay and Benefits, Union dues, Seniority

Grievance Officer     Erin Collins                Extension #5              [email protected]

Grievance and Arbitration, Collective Agreement Interpretation

If your call is urgent, or you require a shop steward for an interview, please leave a message in the general mailbox by pressing “0.” The general mailbox is monitored and checked regularly between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Shop Stewards on the work floors are capable of answering many of the questions you may have. Please endeavor to speak to them before calling the hall.

If you are calling to book an appointment with the Retiree Committee, please leave a message in the general mailbox and we will contact you to set up an appointment. 

In Solidarity,

Michael Seney
Secretary-Treasurer