Preparing for hard times — Shift bid — Article 32.01 Transportation — Bar Charts — Article 33 applies to your vehicle too!
Preparing for hard times
Hopefully everyone got a chance to vote on our contract demands, and now we’re on to the next steps ahead of the contract expiring at the end of January 2018. The postal review is yet to be discussed in parliament, and the liberal government needs to do some damage control heading into the next election. Things are looking up, but as with any contract, the possibility of a work disruption is always there.
While previous bulletins have stressed the importance of saving money, there are other ways we can prepare ourselves for lean times. You may already be saving and not even know it!
Do you shop at superstore? PC points can be used towards groceries! (10,000 points = $10 of groceries) Fill up at Petro-Canada? Petro points can be used for gas! (1000 points = $1 of gas). Need that morning McCoffee? Save your stickers for a rainy day. See something non-perishable on sale? Stock up!
Saving doesn’t have to mean dollars, although having a few bucks set aside is always a smart idea. Loyalty cards are free and an easy way to rack up usable goods. Do you need to redeem them today? If not, it’s another option in being ready for 2018.
Shift bid
There will be a shift bid for the PPC, Glen Dr., and all PO4’s in Collection and Delivery in the near future. More info to come after consultations are held with local CPC management.
Article 32.01 Transportation
As stated “The Corporation will provide transportation to employees while on duty when they are required to move from one postal facility to another to perform their assigned duties and the distance involved is more than four hundred and fifty-seven point two (457.2) meters [five hundred (500) yards.]”
Bar Charts
After going over the latest bar charts it looks like there will be an increase of relief positions created. Final tally on the number of positions and locations affected will be discussed at an upcoming consultation. These new positions should be implementing in January 2018.
Article 33 applies to your vehicle too!
You depend on it every day, but is it up to the task?
Most drivers have had a morning “surprise”; A nail in the tire, a burned out bulb, or some other defect that make us question if our truck is going to make it through the day. An increasing number of supervisors are simply telling us to ignore the problem and get going. Under the Motor Vehicle Act, you are directly responsible for a vehicle under your control. A ticket for any violations, including those related to the vehicle itself, is issued in YOUR name. So why take the fall for their performance bonus?
The most important thing you can do to fight back, as with most issues, is to begin a trail of documentation. Simply telling your supervisor about an issue has become ineffective. They easily forget
or dismiss the complaint, leaving no evidence that the issue had been raised. Similar to a hazard report, a defect report must be signed and dated by both you and your supervisor upon receipt. They may not ignore or alter its contents, including adding their own opinion or diagnosis.
Pursuant to article 33.23, you have a right to inspect your vehicle and report any hazards found. Furthermore, under article 33.23 (c):
A motor vehicle will be deemed to be unsafe when any mechanical defect exists which, in the judgement of a qualified mechanic designated by the corporation, could contribute to an accident. In such circumstances, and in consultation with the responsible supervisor, the vehicle will be visibly tagged and taken off the road and will not be put back on the road without certification being placed in the vehicle stating the repairs that have been completed.
“Repairs Completed” includes, at minimum, a diagnosis of the issue and explanation as to why no repairs are necessary if none are made. You have a right to see the completed defect form, Again, your supervisor is not a qualified mechanic. A qualified mechanic is a person who holds a red seal trade certification for the class of vehicle being serviced. The Vancouver local is one of only a few across Canada which have Group 3 technicians in house, except for North Van 3/4 and RDC, which are serviced by contractors. In either case, they are trained and certified to have the final say on whether or not a hazard exists.
While it may not always be practical to wait for repairs, a leaking tire or fading battery can leave you stranded. The burden of breakdowns should not be placed on you. If you do not feel your vehicle is safe and functional, you have the right to refuse until a qualified mechanic investigates. Do not be bullied into leaving with excuses of “a mechanic can’t come right now” or “we don’t have any spare trucks”. Those excuses are a result of mismanagement, which is simply not your problem. Stand your ground and demand a safe workplace!
Remember, it is not up to your supervisor to decide if repairs are needed! If in doubt, write it up!
The next General Membership meeting will be held on Sunday November 26, 2017, at 1 PM at the Maritime Labour Centre, 111 Victoria Drive Vancouver. Parking entrance off Pandora Street.
la/CUPE-3338