Here We Go Again!

Here We Go Again!

The Vancouver Local has received noification from Canada Post that it intends to make adjustments to the 6.05 lists for Vancouver. Canada Post is intending to amend the lists of the post offices, sections and installations in the Pacific Region that will take effect on Sunday, January 9, 2011.

Canada Post intends to make the following chages to the Vancouver Mail Processing Plant Post Office and the Vancouver Parcel Delivery Centre Post Office:

¨ Delete Post Offices of Vancouver Mail Processing Plant and Vancouver Parcel Delivery Centre including all sections and installations currently with these offices, and;

¨ Create Post Office named Vancouver Mail Processing Plants with the following section and installation configurations:

Unfortunately, the collective agreement does not allow the Union to veto any proposed changes. Canada Post is required to consult at the local level but there is no obligation to implement the Union’s suggestions or proposals. At this time, Canada Post has not arranged with the Local to arrange for a consultation on this matter, as they are obligated to do so.

What is the impact of these changes on regular employees from the VMPP and VPDC?

a) Bidding on Vacant assignments – under this new structure, employees will still be able to bid on vacant assignments within their classification, but it will be within the newly created post office Vancouver Mail Processing Plants. Therefore, an employee who wishes to move from the VPDC to the VMPP will not be required to put in a transfer.

b) Long-Term Absences – under the process set out in Article 39.07 of our collective agreement, Canada Post may offer the coverage of long-term absences to employees from the affected section and if necessary to employees within the installation. While Canada Post has identified the sections contained in the new post office Vancouver Mail Processing Plants, the parties are currently in a dispute regarding the definition of installation. The Union has adopted the definition accepted by many of our arbitrators, which is that an installation is defined by the fours walls of a particular facility, rather than the individual sections contained within that facility. Canada Post has taken the position that an installation is defined by a section or post office contained within the four walls of an installation.

While certain details regarding these changes are still unanswered, the Union is of the opinion that normal staffing rules will continue to apply. We hope that this has been informative, and we are optimistic that Canada Post will abide by their obligation and arrange a consultation to discuss the Union’s unanswered questions and concerns.

Additional information relating to these changes will be provided if and when further changes take place.

Manulife Quandary?

Employees are finding no relief from their contact with Manulife. If Manulife phones you at home to discuss your private medical information, ask the person who phoned you at home and invaded your privacy to put there concerns in writing so that you can take them to your doctor.

You are entitled to Union representation when a representative of Canada Post – in this instance, a Manulife case worker – phones you at home. It is no different than being at work; in fact, it feels like a supervisor importuning you for being injured or sick.

What Are Picket Captains

Picket Captains are volunteers, whose role is to represent the Union while we are on strike on the picket lines. Picket captains are responsible for recording picketers on their shifts to verify eligibility for strike pay and to ensure that strike duties are shared fairly. Picket Captains are responsible for scheduling breaks and to ensure that enough members are manning the lines and around to ensure the health and safety of our members. When and if the time comes, the union will be looking for volunteers to sign up to be Picket Captains. If you feel that you wish to participate and be a Picket Captain, we ask that call us when the call goes out. Any questions or concerns that you may have about what it means to be a Picket Captain, please direct your concerns to our organization committee.

The years of bargaining have defined our past and our future as CUPW…

1965 14,000 Workers defied the government by striking against poor working conditions and poverty driven salaries. The immediate results were significant wage increases, collective bargaining, the right to strike, a no reprisal against strikers and a Royal Commission to investigate working conditions and management control issues.

1968 An 8-hour per day/40 hours per week. The Srike provided for better wages, some improved working conditions and the introduction of “consulting” with the union on issues. And, a grievance procedure was put in place that allowed workers to deal with workplace issues.

stay informed, engage in conversation, be prepared

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