Strategic Review Report Released Says no to Deregulation!

The report of the Canada Post Corporation Strategic Review (CPCSR) recommends the government not deregulate our public post office. The report, which was released on April 30, 2009, states: “There appears to be little public support for the privatization or deregulation of Canada Post, and considerable if not unanimous support for maintaining a quality, affordable universal service for all Canadians and communities.”

Many thanks!

The CPCSR’s recommendation against deregulation is a tribute to the thousands of postal workers who sent letters, submissions and postcards opposing postal deregulation to the review’s advisory panel and to the many groups and individuals who did the same.

People and postal workers said no to deregulation and the panel listened. This is very good news.

Of course, it’s not all good. The report contains a total of 60 recommendations, both positive and negative.

A few highlights:

Deregulation: Canada Post maintain the exclusive privilege to deliver letters.

Universal Service Obligation: Adoption of a detailed Universal Service Obligation (USO) which would be issued as a “Service Charter”. The Service Charter would include standards concerning delivery, retail services, pricing and the reserved area to be covered by the exclusive privilege.

Competitive Services: Canada Post continues to provide competitive services (such as courier and admail). The Corporation should leverage its networks and develop new revenue streams related to its core business.

Postage Rate Cap: Increase from 2/3rds of inflation to at least the full rate of inflation.

Rural Postal Services: Amend moratorium on closures to permit the replacement of corporate post offices with franchises.

International Mail: Remove outbound international mail from the exclusive privilege.

Third Party Review of Collective Agreements: Have an independent third party review existing collective agreements to identify whether any parts will inhibit the modernization plan or impede productivity improvements.

Employee Share Ownership Plan: Government should allow CPC to introduce an employee share ownership program.

The union will send a summary of all major recommendations in the days to come.

It is now up to the federal government to decide which recommendations it will adopt and what changes it will make. The government says it is carefully reviewing the panel's report.

Rob Merrifield, the minister responsible for Canada Post has agreed to meet with CUPW to discuss the report. We will let you know what happens at this meeting.

The struggle continues!