Winter Update

COUNTDOWN TO NEGOTIATIONS

The Urban Collective Agreement between Canada Post and CUPW expires on January 31^st, 2024. As always, the contract will remain in full force and effect past that date while negotiations are underway. The Union’s goal is to negotiate in a good faith, however, negotiations are a two-way street of give and take. The Union is not willing to give in on our key demands and we will not let the corporation take back our gains from past rounds of negotiations. These negotiations will determine the future of our wages and working conditions at Canada Post. During negotiations, the Union will be producing bulletins and information about progress on our demands and the developments at the bargaining table. Anything you hear outside of official communications is only a rumour and should not be taken as fact. Remember that our success at the bargaining table depends upon the support and solidarity of the membership.

CHRISTMAS CASUALS TAKE NOTE

Watch your pay stubs! Every year, Canada Post has incorrectly deducted union dues from the pay period that begins in December and ends in January, even if you didn’t actually work at any time in January. If this happens to you, please contact Secretary- Treasurer Kevin Biggs at (604) 685 6581 Extension 4 or [email protected]. Keep copies of your pay stubs, these will be necessary to get your refund. However, if you did work on any day in January, Union dues must be paid for that month.

THE VANCOUVER LOCAL CELEBRATES ONE YEAR AT OUR NEW OFFICES!!

On November 17^th, 2022, the Vancouver Local officially took possession of our new offices at #109 – 4238 Lozells Ave in Burnaby. Since then, we have nearly completed our renovations to build four new offices, including a private office for advocates working on grievances and WCB appeals. For decades, Vancouver Local members have wanted us to own a building instead of renting, and now we have a permanent home for members present and future. Thank you to everyone who has come to visit in the past year and we hope to see more members visit us in person soon!

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF DURING PEAK SEASON

As the holiday season is upon us and members are working longer hours as the volumes increase, it’s important to look after your wellbeing at work. Working longer hours, or having a lack of sleep can cause increased stress, anxiety, and increased sleep deprivation. We urge everyone to drink lots of fluids, eat full proper, nutritious meals, and take care of your self during this festive season.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON, AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

In Solidarity,

Anju Parmar, President

LB/CUPE cupe 3338

December 14, 2023December 14, 2023

UNDERSTANDING CANADA POST’S CORPORATE CATCHPHRASES: A GUIDE TO TRANSLATING WHAT YOU ARE TOLD TO WHAT IT REALLY MEANS

If you do not fully understand Canada Post’s Corporate-speak, it’s ok. It is a difficult language to understand, full of nonsense and misdirection. Even the most seasoned CUPW member can fall prey to taking it literally. To try and help translate, here are some common phrases and what they really mean.

“The Union agreed to ______”- Most times, this means that we did not agree to whatever is being said. If they say this, ask them who in the Union agreed.

“The Union Consulted on this”- This one is tricky. Chances are we may have consulted, but it does not mean that we agreed. Most times we disagree after consultation. Sometimes we have a compromise. It is very rare that we are in full support of .

What Worksafe bc claim suppression looks like

WorkSafe BC (WCB) is a third-party Board that covers injuries that occur on the job, and in some cases, the property surrounding a workplace. For example, if the employer failed to salt and de-ice the parking lot and an employee slipped and fell causing injury, this would be considered a workplace injury. WorkSafe BC covers a wide range of work-related injuries and it does not necessarily need a singular or specific incident to file a claim. Claims can also be filed under aggravation of a pre-existing condition, repetitive strain, strains and pains. An example of repetitive injury would be carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica.

When any injury or pain starts at work, report it! See a first aid attendant and have it documented in the log book. See a healthcare provider, either a walk-in clinic or family doctor as soon as you can and advise them this is a work-related injury. Go on-line at WorkSafeBC.ca and file your claim. If work needs to be missed due to an injury, WorkSafe BC will cover 70% as ‘IOD Pending’ and 75% of wage loss when approved. There will be no disruption to your pay schedule. Furthermore, WorkSafe covers 100% for healthcare needs to aid in healing such as physiotherapy, acupuncture as well as needed medical aids such as back braces, splints, medications, and bandages etc.

PALESTINE 101

Are you a CUPW member that wants to learn about what is happening in Gaza & Palestine? Join us on World Human Rights Day for a Labour For Palestine Webinar to learn about why Palestine is a worker issue, and what we, as trade unionists, can do to further support the struggle for Palestinian Liberation. This Webinar is open to all CUPW members on Sunday, December 10 at 7 p.m. ET. Simultaneous interpretation will be available. Advanced Registration is required:

Click here for registration