National update

The last report sent to us by Canada Post dated April 3, 2009 shows that there are 1,084 RSMC routes nationally with a daily workload in excess of eight (8) hours/RMS. A data analysis for these routes revealed that the daily number of hours/RMS varies between 8.01 and 20.32 hours.

Of these 1,084 routes, 832 have a daily workload in excess of 8.30 hours/RMS. These also include 44 vacant routes with a daily workload in excess of 8 hours/RMS. Of these 44 vacant routes, 36 have been vacant for between 92 and 734 days.

In January 2008, Canada Post informed us that local management would make every effort to restructure these routes and fill the vacant positions within a reasonable time frame. Both parties on the Transition Committee believe that it is possible to restructure these routes and fill the resulting vacancies within ninety (90) days.

Why is Canada Post letting this situation drag on?

Canada Post is letting this situation drag on mostly for financial reasons. It saves a lot of money on the backs of RSMCs by underpaying this extra work.

The RMS favours Canada Post

The current Route Management System (RMS) used by Canada Post to structure RSMC routes and to determine their workload and annual pay favours Canada Post.

1. The RMS does not provide for a fatigue allowance nor does it take into account the speed rating.
2. The RMS has a serious flaw in that it doesn’t take mail volumes into account, which adds extra work that does not reflect reality.
3. This system does not provide for rest and meal breaks. Accordingly, only time worked is structured into RSMC routes.
4. No time value or additional pay is allocated to perform this extra work.

Information sent to CUPW Regional Executive Committees

On April 15, 2009, we sent each CUPW Regional Executive Committee an e-file with relevant information on routes with a daily workload in excess of eight (8) hours/RMS. We asked that this information be shared with the locals.

Union-management meetings

We ask all locals to hold union-management consultation meetings. When you request consultation meetings under clause 7.03 of the RSMC collective agreement, put the issue of routes with a daily workload in excess of eight (8) hours/RMS on the agenda. During these meetings, you should ask local management to report on the steps they have taken to rectify the situation. If you find that it is taking too much time, 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.

If locals have trouble getting CPC to restructure and fill these routes, they should ask the CUPW regional office representatives to assist them and to determine if filing a grievance would be appropriate.