The following are recent events that are escalating plans that will impact Edmonton in the CPC plan for Postal Transformation.
• January 24th, 2011: Restructure schedule provided to National Union. (One page is blank and no sites in Edmonton are on list)
• February 28th, 2011: leaked restructure schedule provided to National union. (Eight Depots are targeted in Edmonton)
• March 4, 2011: Art. 29.03 notice (Tech change) was provided to the Union. This notice is to inform the union that in Edmonton RSMC routes in Depot 2 and Depot 6 will be affected by the plans for sequencing. As a result there is a projected loss of 7 RSMC routes (4 @ Depot 6 and 3 @ Depot 2)
• March 8th, 2011: CPC notifies the local union that the regular scheduled Postal Transformation Consultation meeting for March9ht is cancelled.
• March 11th, 2011: CPC provide a copy of notice published on March 10th announcing the planned construction of two NEW Letter Carrier Depots in Edmonton. “ A four-acre site located at 9325 62nd Avenue, and a vacant 1.93 acres of land located in St. Albert’s Campbell Business Park have been secured for two new delivery facilities in the Edmonton area. “
• On January 25th and March 6th, 2011: CPC provides notice of deletion of FT PO$ positions @ EMPP totaling the elimination of 17 FT Permanent Positions.
• March 11th, 2011: CUPW tipped off to a hiring blitz for 150+ PO4 Temps positions @ the EMPP. A secret site is identified 17418-108 Avenue…. (Scab training ground????)
• March 11th, 2011: 3rd restructure schedule is provided to the local union office. (It contradicts the first two received. Instead of 8 depots identified there are now only 6. However, the changes suggest that St. Albert is the first to be hit with a Volume Count starting in May 2011, with proposed implementation date of October , 2011.
• March 11th, 2011: CUPW notified that in last Letter Carrier training school CPC failed 4 trainees even though they reduced the training process to get people out sooner.
This is only a snapshot of the local landscape of postal transformation in Edmonton. Keep in mind that at the same time CPC has not been willing to negotiate on key issues to secure a collective agreement.
• MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!! MARCH 30TH IS AN IMPORTANT DAY FOR ALL OF US AS WORKERS. STRIKE VOTES SCHEDULED IN EDMONTON
• CUPW HAS A PROUD HISTORY IN THE LABOUR MOVEMENT AND THIS MOVEMENT RELYS ON US.
• CUPW HAS PUSHED THE RIGID BOUNDARIES IN THE PAST AND MADE HISTROICAL GAINS THAT ALL CANADIANS HAVE BENEFITTED FROM
o (30TH ANNIVERISARY THIS YEAR WHEN CUPW WON THE RIGHTS FOR PAID MATERNITY LEAVE FOR WOMEN!)
• CUPW MUST HOLD THE LINE FOR ALL WORKERS RIGHTS, THE FUTURE OF LABOUR IN CANADA IS IN OUR HANDS!
All eyes are on Wisconsin, but make no mistake the deliberate attack on workers and labour is upon us!!! We will stand and fight with our sisters and brothers for the future of our friends, family, sons and daughters and dour communities!
DIVIDED WE BEG…. TOGETHER WE UNITE FOR A FUTURE WORTH FIGHTING FOR!
Bev Ray
President, CUPW Edmonton Local
(780) 423-9000 (Ext 223)
e-mail: union@cupwedm.net
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Canada Post finally agrees to meet with Union over problems with Service Delivery
After a 7 month public campaign by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers Edmonton Local 730, focusing on Canada Post’s refusal to address staffing issues that have left Edmontonians with sporadic mail delivery, the Director of Edmonton Collection & Delivery (Richard Thorson) has agreed to meet with Union Representatives. On Friday February 4th, 2011 @ 1:30 pm Bev Ray, Local President, will be accompanied with local union officers to attend a meeting at the Edmonton Mail Processing Plant to address the adverse affects that Canada Post’s strategy is having on both the public and overburdened letter carriers.
Bev Ray, local President says that the slow reaction by Canada Post to hire enough letter carriers to maintain 5 day per week service delivery is one in a series of strategies being quietly implemented that directly attacks the Canadian Postal Service Charter. Last summer, Canada Post removed over 200 Street Letter Boxes from City Streets, and now with the absence of necessary letter carrier positions to maintain service delivery, and rural post office closures across the country, the public’s access to a publicly funded post office is in jeopardy.
Canadian Union of Postal Workers is currently in contract negotiations with Canada Post. The union’s program of demands clearly identifies the Union’s position that Canada Post must invest the profits back into public postal service improvements and working conditions for the more than 50,000 employees across the Country. “With Canada Post recording profits for the past 15 years, why shouldn’t Canadian’s expect to benefit from improved Postal Services?” says Bev Ray.
Since the fall of 2010, communities throughout Edmonton and the Greater Edmonton area have not been receiving daily mail service.
For more information contact Bev Ray, President @ 780) 423-9000, ext. 223 or (780) 719-4555
Bev Ray, local President says that the slow reaction by Canada Post to hire enough letter carriers to maintain 5 day per week service delivery is one in a series of strategies being quietly implemented that directly attacks the Canadian Postal Service Charter. Last summer, Canada Post removed over 200 Street Letter Boxes from City Streets, and now with the absence of necessary letter carrier positions to maintain service delivery, and rural post office closures across the country, the public’s access to a publicly funded post office is in jeopardy.
Canadian Union of Postal Workers is currently in contract negotiations with Canada Post. The union’s program of demands clearly identifies the Union’s position that Canada Post must invest the profits back into public postal service improvements and working conditions for the more than 50,000 employees across the Country. “With Canada Post recording profits for the past 15 years, why shouldn’t Canadian’s expect to benefit from improved Postal Services?” says Bev Ray.
Since the fall of 2010, communities throughout Edmonton and the Greater Edmonton area have not been receiving daily mail service.
For more information contact Bev Ray, President @ 780) 423-9000, ext. 223 or (780) 719-4555
Negotiations...wht possible timing for a strike?
Question: Our Urban Ops collective agreement expired January 31, 2011. What happens now?
Answer: The answer is found in article 43 of the collective agreement and in the Canada Labour Code. The present collective agreement remains in ‘full force and effect’ until a new collective agreement is signed, or, until ‘…the requirements of section 89(1) of the Canada Labour Code have been met…’
Under Section 89.1 of the Canada Labour Code, if negotiations are not successful either the Union or Canada Post may give notice to the Minister that the parties have failed to agree on a collective agreement. The Union gave notice to the Minister on Friday, January 21, 2011.
On January 31st, 2011, the Minister appointed a conciliation officer. The officer has begun meeting with the parties and reports to the Minister within 14 days. This time period may be extended by the Minister to no more than 60 days. However, both parties could agree to extend it further.
As soon as the Minister receives the conciliation report, there are 21 days to go before the right to strike\lockout is in effect.
In other words, the present collective agreement is in effect, remains the same and cannot be changed until the Union has the right to strike or Canada Post has the right to lockout.
Question: How Soon Could We Be in a Strike\Lockout Position?
Answer: The date that the Union has the right to strike or that Canada Post has the right to lockout would be somewhere between 35 days to 81 days* following the appointment of the conciliator, Jacques Lessard, on January 31st, 2011. If the parties agree to an extension of the time limits, this date could be later. (*between March 7th and April 22nd , or later if the parties agree to continue the conciliation process)
Strike Vote
The legislation requires a secret ballot strike vote be conducted by the Union amongst all the employees of the bargaining unit before we can go on strike. A majority of those voting must be in favour of a strike in order for a strike to be called by the Union. The strike vote is valid for a maximum of 60 days. The Union is planning on conducting strike votes in late March\ early April.
Notice of Strike Date
The Union must give 72 hours advance notice to the Minister and Canada Post of the date we intend to go on strike. If that date passes and we do not go on strike, another 72 hours advance notice is required.
Notice of Lockout Date
Canada Post may lockout with 72 hours advance notice to the Minister and the Union. If that date passes and there is no lockout, another 72 hours advance notice is required. If Canada Post locks us out, the Union can call a strike without a strike vote and without 72 hours notice.
Federal Election Could Affect Right to Strike or Lockout
If Parliament is dissolved for an election, the Governor in Council may order a strike or lockout to be deferred until 21 days following the date fixed for the election results to be returned to the Governor in Council.
We Could Be Ordered To Vote on Canada Post’s Last Offer According to section 108.1 of the Canada Labour Code, the Minister has the right to order us, the employees of the bargaining unit, to vote on the employer’s last offer.
It is very important to stay informed and ready for action at this point in negotiations. Things could happen very quickly!
Phone Tree Growing
Get on a Phone Tree!...you need to feel sure that you will be aware of what is happening, and it could be happening with short notice!...(information sessions, strike votes, contract votes) make sure you and your correct number are on a phone tree! Contact Greg McMaster or Bev Ray to confirm you are ‘in’!
The local is preparing weekly bulletins on Negotiations 2011. Got a question you would like answered? Let us know. 780-423-9000 or 1-877-423-cupw, ext 223 Bev\President
Answer: The answer is found in article 43 of the collective agreement and in the Canada Labour Code. The present collective agreement remains in ‘full force and effect’ until a new collective agreement is signed, or, until ‘…the requirements of section 89(1) of the Canada Labour Code have been met…’
Under Section 89.1 of the Canada Labour Code, if negotiations are not successful either the Union or Canada Post may give notice to the Minister that the parties have failed to agree on a collective agreement. The Union gave notice to the Minister on Friday, January 21, 2011.
On January 31st, 2011, the Minister appointed a conciliation officer. The officer has begun meeting with the parties and reports to the Minister within 14 days. This time period may be extended by the Minister to no more than 60 days. However, both parties could agree to extend it further.
As soon as the Minister receives the conciliation report, there are 21 days to go before the right to strike\lockout is in effect.
In other words, the present collective agreement is in effect, remains the same and cannot be changed until the Union has the right to strike or Canada Post has the right to lockout.
Question: How Soon Could We Be in a Strike\Lockout Position?
Answer: The date that the Union has the right to strike or that Canada Post has the right to lockout would be somewhere between 35 days to 81 days* following the appointment of the conciliator, Jacques Lessard, on January 31st, 2011. If the parties agree to an extension of the time limits, this date could be later. (*between March 7th and April 22nd , or later if the parties agree to continue the conciliation process)
Strike Vote
The legislation requires a secret ballot strike vote be conducted by the Union amongst all the employees of the bargaining unit before we can go on strike. A majority of those voting must be in favour of a strike in order for a strike to be called by the Union. The strike vote is valid for a maximum of 60 days. The Union is planning on conducting strike votes in late March\ early April.
Notice of Strike Date
The Union must give 72 hours advance notice to the Minister and Canada Post of the date we intend to go on strike. If that date passes and we do not go on strike, another 72 hours advance notice is required.
Notice of Lockout Date
Canada Post may lockout with 72 hours advance notice to the Minister and the Union. If that date passes and there is no lockout, another 72 hours advance notice is required. If Canada Post locks us out, the Union can call a strike without a strike vote and without 72 hours notice.
Federal Election Could Affect Right to Strike or Lockout
If Parliament is dissolved for an election, the Governor in Council may order a strike or lockout to be deferred until 21 days following the date fixed for the election results to be returned to the Governor in Council.
We Could Be Ordered To Vote on Canada Post’s Last Offer According to section 108.1 of the Canada Labour Code, the Minister has the right to order us, the employees of the bargaining unit, to vote on the employer’s last offer.
It is very important to stay informed and ready for action at this point in negotiations. Things could happen very quickly!
Phone Tree Growing
Get on a Phone Tree!...you need to feel sure that you will be aware of what is happening, and it could be happening with short notice!...(information sessions, strike votes, contract votes) make sure you and your correct number are on a phone tree! Contact Greg McMaster or Bev Ray to confirm you are ‘in’!
The local is preparing weekly bulletins on Negotiations 2011. Got a question you would like answered? Let us know. 780-423-9000 or 1-877-423-cupw, ext 223 Bev\President
Friday, January 14, 2011
30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATES 1981 CUPW STRIKE THAT WON MATERNITY RIGHTS FOR WOMEN
The Family Leave Project (FLP)
Update 6
23rd. December, 2010
See the FLP trailer on YouTube
The English trailer for the FLP documentary directed by Aaron Floresco is now on YouTube!
Go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH9MkmyVDOo
Marion Pollock, feminist, activist and CUPW staff representative, appears in the English trailer for the Family Leave video. You can see it now on YouTube.
The 3-minute trailer features interviews with former CUPW President Jean-Claude Parrot and CUPW staff representative Marion Pollack. It includes photographs of the 1981 Canadian Union of Postal Workers’ historic strike which played such a key role in persuading Canadians that maternity leave is a reasonable benefit that workers should be entitled to.
This is one of several inspiring stories that will be featured in Aaron Floresco’s documentary.
Award-winning director Aaron Floresco is directing the FLP documentary. Visit Aaron’s website: pastperfectpro.com
Fund-raising begins
To complete the Family Leave documentary, we are seeking financial support. Individuals and groups can make cheques payable to Past Perfect Productions, and mail them to:
FLP documentary
c/o Hatfield
143 David Drive, Nepean, ON,
K2G 2N6
Workers’ History Museum
The FLP travelling exhibit is being sponsored by the newly incorporated Workers’ History Museum (WHM). WHM Executive members Bob Hatfield, Naomi Gadbois, Barry Parkinson and Ken Clavette invite you to the WHM’s Founding Membership Meeting at 7:00 pm on January 10 at the Public Service Alliance of Canada, 233 Gilmour Street, Ottawa.
Any suggestions?
If you have any suggestions, or know anyone who might be interested in participating in the project or supporting it, please contact us at:
Tel.: 613 228 7082
Email: bobandgill@sympatico.ca
Update 6
23rd. December, 2010
See the FLP trailer on YouTube
The English trailer for the FLP documentary directed by Aaron Floresco is now on YouTube!
Go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH9MkmyVDOo
Marion Pollock, feminist, activist and CUPW staff representative, appears in the English trailer for the Family Leave video. You can see it now on YouTube.
The 3-minute trailer features interviews with former CUPW President Jean-Claude Parrot and CUPW staff representative Marion Pollack. It includes photographs of the 1981 Canadian Union of Postal Workers’ historic strike which played such a key role in persuading Canadians that maternity leave is a reasonable benefit that workers should be entitled to.
This is one of several inspiring stories that will be featured in Aaron Floresco’s documentary.
Award-winning director Aaron Floresco is directing the FLP documentary. Visit Aaron’s website: pastperfectpro.com
Fund-raising begins
To complete the Family Leave documentary, we are seeking financial support. Individuals and groups can make cheques payable to Past Perfect Productions, and mail them to:
FLP documentary
c/o Hatfield
143 David Drive, Nepean, ON,
K2G 2N6
Workers’ History Museum
The FLP travelling exhibit is being sponsored by the newly incorporated Workers’ History Museum (WHM). WHM Executive members Bob Hatfield, Naomi Gadbois, Barry Parkinson and Ken Clavette invite you to the WHM’s Founding Membership Meeting at 7:00 pm on January 10 at the Public Service Alliance of Canada, 233 Gilmour Street, Ottawa.
Any suggestions?
If you have any suggestions, or know anyone who might be interested in participating in the project or supporting it, please contact us at:
Tel.: 613 228 7082
Email: bobandgill@sympatico.ca
Thursday, November 25, 2010
CUPW kicks off PorchLights for Posties Campaign
Edmontonians have noticed recently that their mail is now arriving much later than previously. Some residents have reported receiving their mail as late as 8:00 p.m. or later. Many small businesses, schools and banks are reporting receiving their mail after business hours, negatively impacting their business. This deterioration of service is the result of changes made by Canada Post to its delivery method. It is part of the Crown Corporation’s move to further mechanize postal operations.
Canada Post has been a profitable crown corporation for the past 15 years, paying hundreds of millions of dollars in dividends to the Federal Government and hundreds of millions more in taxes over that period. We believe that Canadians deserve to see these profits translate into improved services and expansion by providing new services.
Canada Post used to ensure that there were sufficient letter carriers to cover all letter carrier routes. Now they have reduced staffing to a minimum resulting in letter carriers delivering as much as 4 – 6 hours in the dark. Many letter carriers have family responsibilities ( i.e. grandparents, parents with young children, caring for aging parents, etc.,) and are forced to work for as many as 15 hours in a day or face discipline up to and including losing their job if they refuse.
Postal Workers have tried reasoning with Canada Post over the unsafe delivery method, late night delivery and deterioration of service, to no avail. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers has proposed reasonable alternatives and ways to expand postal services for Canadians that make economic sense. Canada Post chooses instead to reduce services to Canadians. This has included closing rural and small post offices, cutting hours of customer counters, not providing sufficient letter carrier staffing to cover all routes, changing starting times for letter carriers, and removing street letter boxes. Where will it end?
How can we help each other? Please take the time to call your MP or call Canada Post toll free at 1-866-267-1177
You can contact Bev Ray, President-Canadian Union of Postal Workers, through our website union@cupwedm.net or call 780-423-9000 for more information.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Canada Post Rams Through the Postal Transformation Plan at EMPP
On Thursday November 4th, local union representatives were involved in the National Consultation on Postal Transformation. The presentation provided by CPC outlined all the planned changes for the EMPP in Edmonton.
CUPW is outraged at the lack of consultation and information provided in advance and the ability to schedule local consultations to ensure that the member’s rights are protected. The following is a brief summary of what the plans for November & December are:
• Ads & Pubs to move to off-site location (effective December, 2010) which will require changes to 5 ton shuttles.
• Install exterior fence in parking lot (this will remove over 100 employee parking stalls and reduce 5 ton and trailer parking)
• Relocate Employee Entrance (involves Asbestos removal)
• Relocate Priority courier conveyor belt (this will include combining DCF finals for parcel sort, premium sort to smaller offices. Reported that only 1 bag sent will be to smaller offices)
• Relocate PDSL Keying & Staging
• Move current RVU Staging & Scale and office, MT Equip.
• Demolish existing mezzanine/office & Employee entrance
• Move RVU staging next to “new” RVU office by the high dock
• Begin Demolition of NE Corner of the Building (involves Asbestos removal)
Changes will not end there but continue right through until September 2012. The changes will include moving sections and equipment in the plant every 2-3 months, VES installed where the current exercise room is, moving Depot 4 and 8 City Finals back to Whitemud South, new MLOCR’s installed, removal of old machines & equipment deletion of some current sections (ie: Priority Courier).
We will be providing a more detailed slide presentation at the local GMM Sunday November 7th, 2010. This meeting will be @ 6:00 pm at the Lion’s Senior’s Centre located at 11113 – 111 Avenue.
CPC MAINTAINS THAT ALL OF THE CHANGES DO NOT CONSITUTE TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE NOTICE (29.03(b)).
THE UNION DOES NOT SUPPORT THIS POSITION AND HAS DEMANDED LOCAL CONSULTATIONS BE SCHEDULED IMMEDIATELY!
In solidarity,
Bev Ray
CUPW is outraged at the lack of consultation and information provided in advance and the ability to schedule local consultations to ensure that the member’s rights are protected. The following is a brief summary of what the plans for November & December are:
• Ads & Pubs to move to off-site location (effective December, 2010) which will require changes to 5 ton shuttles.
• Install exterior fence in parking lot (this will remove over 100 employee parking stalls and reduce 5 ton and trailer parking)
• Relocate Employee Entrance (involves Asbestos removal)
• Relocate Priority courier conveyor belt (this will include combining DCF finals for parcel sort, premium sort to smaller offices. Reported that only 1 bag sent will be to smaller offices)
• Relocate PDSL Keying & Staging
• Move current RVU Staging & Scale and office, MT Equip.
• Demolish existing mezzanine/office & Employee entrance
• Move RVU staging next to “new” RVU office by the high dock
• Begin Demolition of NE Corner of the Building (involves Asbestos removal)
Changes will not end there but continue right through until September 2012. The changes will include moving sections and equipment in the plant every 2-3 months, VES installed where the current exercise room is, moving Depot 4 and 8 City Finals back to Whitemud South, new MLOCR’s installed, removal of old machines & equipment deletion of some current sections (ie: Priority Courier).
We will be providing a more detailed slide presentation at the local GMM Sunday November 7th, 2010. This meeting will be @ 6:00 pm at the Lion’s Senior’s Centre located at 11113 – 111 Avenue.
CPC MAINTAINS THAT ALL OF THE CHANGES DO NOT CONSITUTE TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE NOTICE (29.03(b)).
THE UNION DOES NOT SUPPORT THIS POSITION AND HAS DEMANDED LOCAL CONSULTATIONS BE SCHEDULED IMMEDIATELY!
In solidarity,
Bev Ray
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