CANADIAN UNION OF POSTAL WORKERS

There's been a great deal of discussion of late on the lack of a proper rotation of duties and it's important everyone understand this is NOT over as far as the Local is concerned!!
During the initial consultation on rotation of duties it got very loud on our side challenging management's lack of consideration to their obligation under article 33 in respecting the health & safety of its workers. We reminded them in no uncertain terms that we're presently the second most injured workers in the federal sector with their already insultingly weak rotation pattern. We let them know it's pathetically insulting and lazy on their part to take a 30 minute pattern, deteriorate that further and call it an improvement! Shift 1 manager Stephen Hewitt just sat back in his chair and stared indifferently at the ceiling throughout our arguments. It's an accurate characterization of the bosses' general apathy and Moya's hollow commitment to Health & Safety as a first priority at Canada Post.
As the boss continues to slash every vacated job in their obsession to eliminate 10,000 positions across the country how long will it be before our overburdened and aging workforce become the MOST injured workers in the federal sector?!?
In attacking this egregious exploitation of our best intentions in attempting do our jobs to the best of our abilities it's import to understand that management applies no reasoning or rationale to ANY decision they make that isn't first measured against their financial liability. That includes our health and safety!
I encourage everyone to work safe. Don't speed up to try and make management's cuts work. The only way they'll stop slashing our jobs and start respecting our right to a healthy and safe workplace is when lost productivity impacts their profits and management bonuses!!
I wish to congratulate each member who took the time to voice their concern, whether through a hazard report, a grievance, at a shift talk, etc. Continue to do so, trust me it's having an impact. Along with the Locals continued efforts we've forced management back to the table to further consult on the rotation of duties issue. We'll keep you posted!
In Solidarity,

Terry Langley
1st Vice President
Canadian Union of Postal Workers
Hamilton Local 548 November 25, 2008