Bombs Away: Canada Post’s New Assault on Health & Safety!
Canada Post management has shown once again that they remain firmly deep-rooted in the tail end of modern day Health and Safety Standards.
On April 28, 2015, a Vancouver CBSA Officer discovered a grenade at the x-ray machine #1 in the VEO section of the PPC. Instantly following this discovery, an evacuation of the area was announced and potential blast area of fifty (50) meters was established. Employees working in the section were instructed to leave the area immediately. While the evacuation process was under way, superintendent Jacques Damgajian directly intervened and instructed a number of our members to remain working in the area despite the clear and present danger in front of them. In fact, Mr. Damgajian felt it was appropriate to dole out direct orders to remain as employees were literally fleeing for their lives!
The incident sparked the intervention of the CBSA Officer on scene who observed employees still working inside the blast area. Despite the intervention, the superintendent, under threat of arrest continued to pressure employees to remain working in the quarantined area. According to section 217.1 of the Criminal Code of Canada, any person who knowingly and purposefully puts the employees under their supervision in harm’s way is subject to criminal charges!
In most organizations, this sort of conduct would be prohibited but Canada Post exists in a parallel universe, where common sense is often rejected and health and safety rights are viewed as mere inconveniences. When contacted by Union representatives for an explanation, Canada Post General Manager Mike Shearon lived up to expectations, providing little to no explanation at all.
History Repeats Itself
On August 6, 2015, a subsequent event involving a suspicious explosive device was discovered and a full evacuation of the PPC was issued. Shockingly, following a rumored four (4) week suspension with pay, newly demoted supervisor Jacques Damgajian, once again defied the evacuation order! In this particular instance, Mr. Damgajian covertly instructed workers seeking refuge in the cafeteria to walk the exterior of the building and report to work in the non-conveyable section through the southeast entrance; despite knowing a potential explosive device was in the building.
It now begs the question; how can Canada Post allow Mr. Damgajian to remain employed following not one (1), but two (2) exceptionally negligent situations where his actions could have directly led to the serious injury or death of employees under his care. Perhaps another four (4) week paid vacation, is in order. Obviously the first one didn’t work.
Employees have a fundamental right to work in a safe environment. Although not isolated, Canada Post’s actions strayed outside the bounds of ethical behaviour. Employees cannot be subjected to harm by their superiors. Actions, such as those demonstrated by Mr. Damgagian are degrading, malicious, and unacceptably criminal.
An employee is always in the best position to assess the danger in their work area. When confronted by supervisors who are prepared to act in an unethical fashion by forcing you to expose yourself to harm, just say NO! And remove yourself from danger and contact your Union representative immediately.
In Solidarity,
Chris Zukowsky
1st Vice-President
ck/CUPE-3338