With the appointment of Deepak Chopra in February 2011 many people hoped we would see a change in the confrontational and arrogant approach that characterized CPC management during the years of Moya Greene.

However, since February, we have yet to see any change in the approach that CPC management has taken to our current negotiations. Instead of identifying problems and discussing solutions with the Union, CPC's approach on the financial issues at bargaining can only be described as radical, reckless and risky.

Radical

While most postal administrations are dealing with declining letter volumes by expanding into revenue-generating services, such as banking, Canada Post management has come with demands for radical cuts in wages, benefits, pensions and job security. With inflation at 3.3% CPC is demanding to cut the starting wages of future employees by 22%. For current employees, they are offering 1.9% and a cost of living allowance that would result in a reduction of the purchasing power of our wages.

Reckless

An example of CPC's reckless behaviour is how they have pursued their demand to eliminate our sick leave and impose a very inferior short-term disability plan.

From the very beginning of negotiations they have refused to discuss any other approach to the issue of absenteeism even though it has been time loss due to injuries on duty, not sick leave, that has risen sharply.

Risky

The arrogance and intransigence of CPC in these negotiations puts at risk the long-term welfare of postal workers and the public postal service. At a time of declining volumes, CPC should be proposing new ways to expand services and increase revenues instead of attempting to impose extreme and radical demands on postal workers. 

CUPW's Approach: Reasonable, Rational and Realistic

In these negotiations CUPW is presenting a reasonable program of demands, which addresses real problems that must be resolved so that Canada Post can move forward into the future. Whether it be on internal staffing, external work methods, seniority, human rights or health and safety issues, we have demonstrated our commitment to negotiating rational solutions concerning complex issues. It's time for Canada Post to adopt a similar approach.