Category: General

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

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual harassment at work is unacceptable. The Law defines sexual harassment as unwelcome verbal,non-verbal or physical conduct of sexual nature or based on someone’s sex that affects working conditions or creates hostile work environment. Unwelcome means unwanted. For this reason it is important to communicate to the harasser that the conduct makes you feel uncomfortable and YOU WANT IT TO STOP!

Verbal and nonverbal conduct of sexual nature or based on sex. Here are some examples

Commenting about persons clothing, personal behavior, personal relationships or body.

• Making sexual or sex based jokes or innuendos.
• Requesting sexual favors or interactions.
• Spreading rumors about a person’s personal or sexual life.
• Threatening a person for rejecting or refusing sexual advances.
• Looking up and down or staring/leering at a person’s body.
• Making derogatory gestures or facial expressions of sexual nature.
• Following person around at work.

RUMORS AT WORKPLACE; ANOTHER FORM OF HARASSMENT

Spreading rumors at work about your coworkers creates conflict and harmful work environment. When we work together we need to keep in mind that rumors can harm others and effect lives. Rumors do not make anyone’s working relationship better. So is participating. Your coworkers may lose trust in you if it doesn’t stop. Whether a rumor is true or not, the outcome of spreading it can be damaging. Employers have a responsibility to try to control the spread of workplace rumors to ensure that the working environment is a respectful and safe place for all employees. Rumors are often spread due to a lack of communication, ignorance and unhealthy competition between employees. We all need to take serious steps to stop the gossip and rumors on the work floor to make our work place better for everyone.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

When you decide to take stand against any harassment, remember that every situation is different, and the outcome can be different then you had expected. There are many ways to report harassment. Reporting to your Union representative or supervisor is the first step. Your Union representative will help guide you towards the right direction and help you go through the appropriate steps.

A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER IN THE EVENT YOU HAVE TO MAKE A COMPLAINT

• Tell the person him/her that their behavior offends you and it needs to stop.
• Write down what happened as soon as you experience any kind of harassment.
• Write down dates times and possible witnesses.
• Report the harassment if it’s possible for you, tell your Union representative and employer.
• Start paper trail; write down everything.

ALWAYS REMEMBER;if you are experiencing, or witness, Sexual harassment or any other form of harassment at work, speak up! All matters will be dealt in confidentiality. No one should be subject to harassment at their workplace whether it comes from a coworker or the employer.

In Solidarity,

 

Anju Parmar

3^rd Vice President            

Recently, I was informed by a member, about their unpleasant interaction with Mr. Dorian, Superintendent Shift 1, in the PPC parking lot.

Mr. Dorian who was awarded the title of Safety Ambassador and a coveted parking spot, acted disrespectfully during his interaction with a member. Mr. Dorian not only approached this member who had parked in the designated parking spot in an aggressive & unprofessional manner, but also blocked the member’s car with his car so they could not leave. Mr. Dorian who “supposedly” won the Safety Ambassador Program should have been promoting safety, rather than focusing their energy towards the CONVENIENCE OF A PARKING SPOT!”  In saying that, the safety ambassador became the BULLY standing and berating our member in public, rather than acting as an ambassador of safety – could the contest be rigged?

Following the altercation the member was visually shaken up. It didn’t stop there, this so called Ambassador of Safety directed shift 3 management to intervene and give this member a 24 hour notice of interview to discuss the member’s alleged disrespectful behavior. Proving once again that CPC management have little understanding surrounding safety and bullying.

I the undersigned, brought this issue to PPC director Laura Liberty. She agreed to meet with this member and myself to discuss this issue further. Ms. Liberty suggested a meeting with Mr. Dorian, to which this member agreed. In the meeting, the Corporation did not offer Union representation and stacked the room with 3 members of Management. The Corporation later stated that they wanted this matter to be resolved by way of the member accepting responsibility for their behavior and offering an apology. Mr. Dorian was directed by his bosses to reciprocate. CPC also stated that the member would not have a letter for the incident placed on their file. This incident reminds us all that PPC management, rather than promoting safety they made the issue about the parking spot.

I would like to remind everyone the Union does not support the Safety Ambassador Program at the PPC. This was initiated by a PPC Management and has been opposed by both the National and Local LJOSH committees.  PPC Management unilaterally decided to carry on with this program! This incident demonstrates yet again, that safety takes a back seat to pride, accolades and even ideology. The Union takes the health and safety of its members seriously. We advocate for safe working conditions aimed at improving our work environment not degrading it. We are all Safety ambassadors. If they want to reward safety then they must reward all of us equally because only together are we safe!

In Solidarity

Anju Parmar
3^rd Vice President