On March 22, 2010, CUPW received a notice under 29.03(a) (Technological Change) of the urban operations collective agreement.  Management is conducting a review of the national network including all of the mail processing plants with a view to “optimizing operations”.

Specifically the Corporation is considering the following actions:

Kitchener Ontario: Moving the processing of admail and originating parcels from Kitchener to the Gateway mail processing plant.

Victoria B.C.: Moving the processing of originating forward and incoming lettermail and incoming admail products from Victoria to the processing plants in Vancouver.

Moncton N.B.: Moving the processing of Street Letter Boxes (SLB) from Moncton to the mail processing plant in Saint John N.B.

Many Rumours and Misinformation

Almost as soon as the union was notified that CPC is considering these changes we were faced with inaccurate and speculative media reports. Conflicting statements from local CPC management and numerous rumours being spread by supervisors have only added to the confusion and uncertainty.

CUPW’s Position is Clear

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers’ position on technological changes is very clear. We believe that workers and the public should share in the benefits of the introduction of new equipment or reorganization of work. This means that all postal workers must have full job security and that jobs should remain in the communities. When the overall number of positions is reduced due to automation new jobs can be created as CPC expands services to the public. Ultimately our security depends on having useful work to perform.

CUPW Takes Action

As soon as we received notice of the employer’s intention to transfer production from Moncton, Victoria and Kitchener the Union took immediate action. Local and regional union representatives have been working with elected representatives at the local, provincial and federal levels to obtain their support for our campaign to keep jobs in the communities. We have been meeting with CPC to clarify the details of their plans and working with the media to ensure they receive accurate information. At the national level we will include these issues in the ongoing negotiations concerning the Modern Post.

In CUPW We Stand Together

This is not the first time that postal workers have faced a management who has plans to cut jobs and intensify the pace of work. In the past we have negotiated important protections to ensure that we have secure jobs and safe working conditions. We achieved these gains by being united and supporting the union. Once again the time has come for postal workers to stand together. When the Union calls an action please participate! Remember. It’s your union and it’s your future.