Category: Front Page

APRIL 5, 2025

8am to 8pm

Vancouver is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō, and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

WHY YOU SHOULD VOTE IN THE BY-ELECTION

The City of Vancouver is having a by-election to fill 2 city councillor positions which have become vacant. City councillors make decisions that affect reconciliation, affordability, housing, transit, and climate action.

Local governments were great allies of CUPW in the campaign to halt Canada Post’s conversion of door-to-door delivery to community mailboxes. We need to help community minded, labour friendly folks get elected!

Typically, local elections have lower turnout than federal or provincial elections. Turnout is affected by age, income, and education. People who are more likely to vote are older, have a higher income, and have a higher level of education.

Local governments need to be chosen by the whole, diverse community. Use your vote to help make this happen!

GETTING OUT THE CUPW VOTE

Elections BC has strict rules around election campaigning and financing. Unions are not permitted to advertise about election issues or make contributions to candidates, however unions can engage in member to member communication.

CUPW Vancouver elects delegates to the Vancouver and District Labour Council (VDLC), which is made up of representatives from affiliated unions in Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, and the North Shore. For the by-election, the VDLC’s Political Action Committee interviewed candidates and selected those who will govern to support workers and their families.

“The VDLC is proud and excited to endorse both Lucy Maloney (One City), and Annette Reilly (Green Party of Vancouver),” said [VDLC] President Stephen von Sychowski. “Both Lucy and Annette are leaders in the community who know how to get things done. They are committed to working cooperatively to hold the ABC majority accountable, and to be voices for the working people of this city.”

CUPW encourages its members to vote for these candidates.

HOW TO VOTE IN THE VANCOUVER BY-ELECTION

To vote in this by-election, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old on election day, April 5, 2025
• Be a Canadian citizen
• Have lived in BC for at least six months immediately before registration day Live in Vancouver, no minimum days required.
• Vote in advance on March 26 and April 1 at City Hall, 453 West 12th Avenue.
• Vote on election day on April 5 from 8am to 8pm. Go to the City of Vancouver website to find the location  nearest to youDO I GET TIME OFF TO VOTE IN BC LOCAL ELECTIONS?From Elections BC:“Voters are entitled to four consecutive hours free from work to vote during advance voting or on General Voting Day. Voting hours during advance voting are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time and on General Voting Day are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific time.“This does not necessarily mean four hours off work. It means that there must be a four-hour period free from work during voting hours. Time off may be at the beginning or end of an employee’s shift, or [time off may be] unnecessary if normal working hours already provide enough time free from work to vote. For example, if a shift ends at 4 p.m., or does not begin until noon, the employee is not entitled to any time off for voting purposes. Employers can decide when their employees can take time off to vote.“It is an offence if an employer deducts your pay or penalizes you for taking time off to vote. You are entitled to your regular compensation for any hours not worked during this time.”In Solidarity,

  

Anju Parmar, President

On behalf of Lisa Quattrocchi

General Membership Meeting

March 22^nd, Saturday at 10am

 Maritimes Labour Centre

 1880 Triumph street

 Vancouver

Agenda for the March GMM:

1. Land Acknowledgment
2. Reading of Truth and Reconciliation: Calls to Action
3. Reading of Harassment Policy
4. Reading of new members
5. Reading of the previous meeting’s minutes
6. Business arising out of the minutes
7. New Business
8. Nominations and elections:
   1. By Election: Organizing Director
   2. Balloting Committee (8)
   3. Health & Safety Committee (9)
   4. Education Committee ((8)
   5. Organizing Committee (8)
   6. Publications Committee (8)
9. Executive Committee Motions
10. Unfinished business
11. Correspondence
12. Executive and Committee Report
13. Good and Welfare
14. Adjournment

***ASL Interpreters have been confirmed for this meeting***

In Solidarity,

Anju Parmar, President                                  lb/CUPE-3338

 

Motion: Presented by the member

AS from the start of my/her union activism knows that the Local 846 office has 5 full time officers that served the local such as President, 1st Vice President, Second Vice President, grievance officer and Secretary/Treasurer.

As Secretary/Treasurer has been a big part of the office as it has a big responsibility and a big role in an office.

As in my observation during those years’ previous full-time secretary/treasurer (Andy whom I adore) was able to help me with a lot of question with regards to member’s issues from pay issues to even consulting with PO4 issues if no officer was not available.

As I have observed that the Secretary/Treasurer has a big role that needed time to figure things out with no time pressure.

As the secretary/treasurer needs more time to be able to avoid mistakes as numbers and calculations are very sensitive and not become so problematic and be more organized as time is provided to do all that.

As why because the local decided to add another position which is 3rd vice President? Then decided to drop the secretary/treasurer’s hours of work just because of the “BUDGET”.

As 3rd Vice President can be part-time as this position needed to be on the work floor to feel the need of the membership.

As why because of the additional position, 3rd vice President and secretary Treasurer are now both became part-time position because of financial concern?

As why for how many years Secretary/Treasurer has never became a part-time position and because adding another position will affect the needed hours that a secretary/treasurer could do to ease the load of the responsibility.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That because of the time pressure that can put a toll on someone’s wellbeing, secretary/treasurer position be back to full time position as there is so much responsibility involved.

IF IN DOUBT PLEASE READ THE VANCOUVER BY LAW UNDER SECRETARY TREASURER’S ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OR LET THE CURRENT SECRETARY/TREASURER SPEAK FOR HIS ROLE.

Dates: May 1 – 4, 2025

Location: Harrison Hot Springs

Deadline to Apply: 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025

Health and Safety In this course, we want to bring health and safety back to its political beginnings. CUPW health and safety representatives will explore the different interests of the employer and the union in health and safety. Participants will practice ‘facing management’ and discuss ways to mobilize members around health and safety issues. At the same time, they will develop the skills and knowledge they need to feel confident in participating with management on joint health and safety committees.

Basic Steward Course Stewards are the backbone of the union. The aim of this course is to provide new stewards with knowledge and confidence. Topics include: the roles of the steward, how to investigate and file a grievance, communication skills, shop steward rights, the steward as organizer/mobilizer, and key provisions of the collective agreement. *Note this course is for new stewards

Temporary Workers and their Rights This course provides temporary workers with information about their rights and benefits under the urban collective agreement. The CUPW history section features the long struggle for better working conditions and secure employment for temporary workers. There are also segments on bumping and assignments, the steps to take to get a permanent job, and the pressures facing today’s public postal service. *Note: This course is recommended for Group 1 and 2 temporary workers, as well as stewards and local executive members who wish to better represent our Temporary members.

Secretary Treasurer- Roles & Responsibilities During this course Local Secretary-Treasurers will learn about their key responsibilities. Including: financial duties, keeping track of members and their dues, administration regarding leaves and handling correspondence. *Note – This course is only available for elected Secretary Treasurers

• Lost Wages: Locals are responsible for covering the lost wages of
• Application Submission: All applications must be signed and submitted by the Local President or their designate.
• Where to Submit:
  • By mail: CUPW Vancouver local #109- 4238 Lozells Ave, Burnaby BC
  • By fax: (604) 685-4931
• Deadline: The deadline for registration is 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025.
• Late Applications: Applications received after the deadline will not be considered, so please ensure they are submitted on time.

In Solidarity,

Anju Parmar, President

 

 

 

 

Sisters, brothers, cousins, and others!

We just had a consultation to discuss electronic bidding, and it is here fast! March 10^th is their implementation date. This will be for all Group 1 & Group 2 workers. We were assured (on the record) by PC&R that all sups have been trained in how to do the bidding on their computer systems, and on our PDTs. They will be willing & available to help show a member how to do the bid themselves. If a member is not comfortable using those technologies, the sup will be able to submit the bid for them, with the worker’s assistance. If for some reason a sup is unavailable to help a member bid, they have asked that the member please contact a steward, and then have that steward contact PC&R to report the sup & the time, so that they can follow up with that sup & explain that they need to help workers when requested.

Members won’t have access to route information online, so at this point we still have to look at books to learn about the schedules. At this point, this is only for monthly/ownership bids. The LTAs will be done the regular way, by submitting paper bids using the regular process. To make the process slightly less confusing, members will only have access to the bids for their group. This means that P04s won’t see letter carrier walks or MSC schedules, and vice versa. Transfers will still be done using the normal means, so that shouldn’t be impacted either.

I imagine that a lot of us are nervous of how this will roll out, as this is a significant change! I do feel that it’s a good step for us in the long run. In the future, having members be able to look at route information online and submit their bids from their home, will make things a lot easier for people. Remember that if anyone could use some help, they can call the office any time. 604 685 6581.

I hope everyone has a great day!

In solidarity,

Joseph Henderson McCance

^1st Vice President CUPW Vancouver Local 846

March 7 (Friday)		Advance Poll (Union Hall)	7:30 AM	–	5:00 PM
March 9 (Sunday)		Pacific Processing Centre (PPC)	5:00 AM	–		8:30 PM
March 10 (Monday)		Station G	7:00 AM	–	9:30 AM
		Pacific Center	10:15 AM	–	10:30 AM
		Royal & Bentall Centers	10:45 AM	–	11:30 AM
		Wickets & Main Office Boxes	11:45 AM		12:30 PM
		Glen Drive	1:00 PM	–	2:00 PM
		Station D (Retail)	2:30 PM	–	2:45 PM
March 11 (Tuesday)		Pacific International Facility (PIF)	9:00 PM	–	10:15 PM
March 11 (Tuesday)		LCD 1 & 2	7:30 AM	–	3:00 PM
		Station F NBDC	7:30 AM 7:30 AM	– –	11:30 AM 12:45 PM
		CDC	7:30AM	–	1:30 PM
		NVDC (Harbour)	7:30 AM	–	1:30 PM
		West Van Retail	11:30 AM	–	12:00 PM
March 11 (Tuesday)11pm		PPC & MSCs	Starts 11:15 PM Tuesday March 12
			Ends   01:00 AM Thursday  March 13
March 12 (Wednesday )		SVDC	7:30 AM	–	2:30 PM
		RDC	7:30 AM	–	11:45 AM
		Richmond Retail	12:00 PM	–	12:30 PM
March 13  (Thursday)		North Fraser Delivery Depot	7:30 AM	–	12:00 PM
		BBY 3	7:30 AM		11:00 AM
March 14 (Friday)		Post Poll (Union Hall)	7:30 AM	–	12:00 PM

Sukhwinder Tony Phunal

Balloting  Committee  Chair

 

 

 

At Canada Post, many CUPW members are at risk of developing Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs). These injuries cause pain and discomfort in various parts of the body, including muscles, tendons, joints, and nerves in areas like the neck, shoulders, arms, hands, and back.

The nature of our jobs at Canada Post involves frequent, repetitive movements, which are a key factor in the development of RSIs. Actions such as pushing, pulling, gripping, lifting, twisting, and reaching, along with awkward postures or remaining in fixed positions, significantly increase the risk.

*Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)

Recognizing the Symptoms:

• Persistent pain
• Joint stiffness
• Muscle tightness
• Redness and swelling in affected areas
• Numbness or “pins and needles” sensations
• Discoloration of skin or reduced sweating in the hands

Steps to Take if You Experience Symptoms:

• Report it immediately: Log the incident in the first aid book.
• Consult a doctor: Early intervention is key.
• File a claim with WorkSafeBC to ensure proper documentation and follow-up.

How to Prevent Repetitive Strain Injuries:

• Ensure sufficient staffing levels to prevent overloading employees and maintain a safe, manageable workload.
• Rotate tasks regularly to promote varied movements throughout the day. Avoid using “operational requirements” as a reason to place workers in situations that increase injury risks.
• Follow the Local Joint Health and Safety Committee (LJHSC) guidelines for safer work practices.
• Take frequent breaks when symptoms arise and consult a first aid attendant.
• Adjust workstations to reduce awkward postures and minimize overreaching or twisting.

Important Reminder: If you experience any discomfort—such as pulls, strains, or pains—immediately seek help from a first aid attendant. Prompt action and proper documentation are crucial for early treatment and prevention.

In Solidarity,

Raylene Marshall

2^nd Vice President, Vancouver Local 846

 

 

Greetings sisters, brothers, cousins, and others! Lisa Q, one of our letter carrier executive stewards, noticed that the establishment from her depot showed some coworkers on assignments that weren’t what they were actually doing. After our talk, on Monday January 13 2025, I did a complete audit of the establishment lists for the letter carrier depots in our local. For anyone that isn’t familiar with them, they’re a detailed report of who is doing what route, where our relief are working, etc. I was VERY surprised to learn that there were 105 OR & 24 VR positions that were not being covered that week! Now when depots are failing to get overtime delivered and handing all the mail back to the routes that it came from, I think we may have found the reason why!

I immediately contacted our zone managers with the details of what was wrong in each of their areas, and requested a consultation with PC&R because we need to have a formal discussion on the record. On Wednesday January 22^nd, we had our meeting. To my surprise, PC&R said that they were not aware of this deficit & they were very concerned. They completely agreed that being short 129 relief positions is not acceptable, and they had already started a hiring campaign for the Vancouver local after reading my initial notice! They acknowledged that this was obviously the reason for the 17.04 overtime issues that our local is having, especially in our SSD depots where it’s much more difficult for a carrier to know when their mail is being handed back to them from a previous day.

Unfortunately, the relief coverage is still nowhere near good enough. As of the coming week of Feb 23, the uncovered routes are 98 OR & 21 VR. 119 uncovered relief is better than 129, but this is still terrible. As a reminder, please make sure you’re filing a grievance every time the corporation tells you that they weren’t able to cover any part of your route when you needed help. Staffing is their responsibility, and it’s their own decisions that caused this problem on our work floors.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Joseph Henderson McCance

^1st Vice President CUPW Vancouver Local 846