Benefits cut off
Canada Post prematurely chose to suspend the collective agreement and cutoff all benefits including leaves to the members of CUPW effective from the moment we served 72 hour strike notice. This has had a huge negative impact on members who are ill, injured or even just those who have scheduled a June vacation. This is happening in all locals whether or not they are actually off the job.
The Union strongly disagrees with Canada Post’s legal right to take this action. While there is a National Policy grievance being filed, all individuals affected by this should file their own grievances as well.
Sick Leave
CUPW members are having their sick pay cut off by Canada Post.
All members affected by this should be filing loss of wages grievances with the appropriate documentation as back-up.
All members affected by this should also be contacting their E.I. office and applying for sick benefits. There will be a two week waiting period from the last day paid before the claimant begins to receive cheques.
Annual Leave
The employer has also told members on annual leave to report to work or else they will be considered on leave without pay. This could be seen as a reprisal against our members for their Union’s decision to exercise our right to strike. There is jurisprudence on this issue that clearly states that the employer cannot take such action.
Members who decide to remain on annual leave should be filing a grievance to recover lost wages. Those who do return to work should also be filing grievances for damages such as travel cancellation fees if applicable. This applies to those who were on leave before, during or after June 2, 2011.
Extended Health Care Plan (EHCP)
Our Extended Health Care Plan has also been suspended. Those who have suffered an income loss due to a disability insurance claim or sick leave without pay may be able to get some help with prescription drug costs through Fair PharmaCare BC. They can be reached at 604-683-7151.
Medical Services Plan (MSP)
While Canada Post has stopped paying Medical Services Plan premiums for CUPW members, the plan coverage will continue to be in effect. No one will be denied or billed for access to physicians or hospitals. Depending on the length of any job action, members may be billed for the monthly premiums directly.
Documentation
Whenever filing a grievance, proper documentation is vital. Signed leave forms, pharmacy receipts and even your own written records of dates, times and names will be needed. So carefully document everything.