On July 30, 2009, Canada Post (CPC) issued notice under article 29.03 (b) with details on their plans to implement the Modern Post in Manitoba.

Article 29 provides for a consultation stage so that the union can emerge with a suitably informed opinion as to what would constitute an injustice, adverse effects and contractual breeches.

Parties Disagree

After months of weekly negotiations in Ottawa and in Winnipeg, it was clear that there were a number of contractual breeches and issues that were in dispute and would not be resolved without the assistance of a third party.

The Union put CPC on notice that the technological changes that they intended to implement and the new equipment that they planned to introduce would adversely affect workers in Groups 1, 2 and 3 in the following three major ways:

• Worker’s health and safety;
• Work reorganization;
• Worker’s jobs that would be lost.

RSMC workers will be adversely affected by Canada Post’s plans as well.

Arbitrator Keller Appointed

Under 29.09 of the Urban Collective Agreement, CUPW submitted a list of arbitrators to Canada Post and the parties agreed on Arbitrator Keller, who has accepted this role.

Over the next few weeks, the parties will undertake the process described under the article 29 technological change provisions of the urban collective agreement:

Manitoba’s Unresolved Issues are Everyone’s Issues

This implementation of the Modern Post is important for the workers in Manitoba but is equally important to all CUPW members. These plans will be rolled out across the country. An adverse effect in Manitoba is an adverse effect for everyone.

We need to stay informed and support our Sisters and Brothers at the forefront of this technological change. Let Canada Post know that we will organize to ensure that all adverse effects from Modern Post are eliminated.

The Struggle Continues.