President's Message May 2011
The National office of CUPW is reporting the parties are now in mediation. There is still a possibility of a negotiated settlement if Canada Post is willing to reward the achievements of postal workers and to expand service to the public. 16 years of profits is something to be very proud of and the employer cannot justify substantial rollbacks to pay for their poor handling of modernizing the Post Office or the massive private sector failures in the marketplace. With little movement at the bargaining table it is starting to look like management never intended to seriously negotiate.
Now that the federal election is over working class families across Canada now have a strong and growing voice in Ottawa with the New Democratic Party. In spite of the misleading rhetoric spewed by the corporate media, the Conservatives have not brought economic stability to the country. Inflation is over 3 % and the economy shrunk in the first quarter of 2011 because of their mismanagement. Harper has done nothing to stop rising gas prices or to address the oil monopoly gouging consumers and choking off the economy. So who do you think they are going to blame?
Expect to see in the next few weeks the typical fear and smear campaign against Unions and decent paying Unionized jobs. Postal workers have a long history of battling anti-union governments. The Conservatives need to remember what happened in the early nineties when they took us on. They should be advising Canada Post to negotiate a settlement for the benefit of all Canadians.
From the CUPW National website on what happens to members benefits in the event of a strike:
CPC's benefit booklet says that benefits stop at the end of the month in which we go on strike or are locked out. Currently, at the bargaining table, CPC is saying that in the event of a strike they will determine when our Extended Health Care coverage ends.
To be on the safe side, you should schedule appointments, such as massage and chiropractic, and get all your prescriptions refilled by May 24th.
Hearing and Vision Plan coverage for you, your spouse and your children ends on the date of strike and/or lockout. If you are planning to purchase much-needed glasses or hearing aids, it would be advisable to buy them now.
Dental Plan coverage for you, your spouse and your children also ends on the date you go on strike and/or lockout.
Your provincial medical insurance plan coverage depends on the province/territory you live in.
What about my Canada Post pension?
Time spent on strike is not included as pensionable service. Time spent on lock-out is.
What happens if I am on sick leave prior to a strike and/or lockout?
If you go on certified sick leave prior to a strike and/or lockout, you should remain on sick leave for the period outlined by your physician. If you can, please fill out a leave form requesting sick leave prior to the strike.
What about vacation leave?
Many postal workers are asking this question. There is no clear answer: The rules about vacation leave during a strike and/or a lock out will be entirely determined by Canada Post. In the past, Canada Post has taken different positions on this.
If your vacation begins before May 25th, or if you have already made vacation plans, please fill out a leave form as soon as possible and give it to your Supervisor.
Make sure you give a copy to your Local President or shop steward. . We also suggest that you give your shop steward a note to give to Canada Post in the event that the strike ends before your vacation leave concludes. The note should say that you are on vacation from X date to Y date and you will report to work after your vacation concludes.
What if I am on disability insurance?
If you are on disability insurance prior to a strike and/or lockout, you remain on disability insurance.
In solidarity,
Mark Platt
President