National update on vacant RSMC and OCRE positions

The last report sent to us by Canada Post dated March 27, 2009 indicated that, nationally, there were 316 vacant RSMC positions with workloads under eight hours per day, and 99 vacant OCRE positions to be filled under paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Appendix “E”.

Information received by CUPW National

Vacant positions are among the issues discussed between the union and Canada Post during the meetings of the RSMC Transition Committee. We have insisted on receiving comprehensive reports on vacant positions, including the date and number of days since these positions became vacant. We then share this information with CUPW locals and regional offices.

Canada Post’s national position

During the Transition Committee’s meeting of January 16, 2008, Canada Post informed us that CPC’s local and regional management had been instructed to post on CPC’s website all vacant RSMC positions with workloads under eight hours a day. This includes vacant OCRE positions. CPC’s local management must take every step to ensure that the vacant positions are filled within a reasonable period. Within the Transition Committee, the parties consider that it may be possible to fill these vacant positions within 60 (sixty) days.

Information sent to CUPW Regional Executive Committees

On March 31, 2009, we sent each of CUPW’s regional executive committees an e-file with relevant information on vacant positions in your region.  We ask that Regional Executive Committees inform each of their locals of the vacant positions under their jurisdiction, so the procedure for filling these positions can be initiated and the situation rectified.

Union-management meetings

We ask all locals to hold regular union-management consultation meetings under Article 7 of the RSMC collective agreement. When you request consultation meetings under clause 7.03, put the issue of vacant positions on the agenda.  During these meetings, you should ask local management to report on the steps they have taken to fill these vacant positions.  If you find that it is taking too much time to fill these vacant positions, ask them to explain why and ensure that the minutes referred to in clause 7.04 reflect the parties’ discussions and positions. If there are discrepancies, have the minutes corrected.

Filling of vacant positions

During your discussions, you should rely on the provisions of the RSMC collective agreement, and especially on Article 12, which sets out definitions and the procedure for filling vacant positions.  Note in particular, clause 12.02, which states: “Prior to filling a vacant route, the Corporation will explore the feasibility of merging all or part of the route with one or several other routes […].”

If you have trouble getting CPC to fill vacant positions, ask the CUPW regional office representatives for assistance and assess the situation or to determine if filing a grievance would be appropriate.