Bulletin no.: 2002-2005/166

Over the next few weeks, you will be receiving a number of letters from Canada Post. These letters should be read carefully.


COORDINATION OF BENEFITS

The first letter will be about the coordination of benefits. Under the new collective agreement members whose spouse or partner works at Canada Post can now coordinate their Extended Health Care Plan benefits. Members who were designated as "spouse" will have to fill out a new application and both spouses or partners will have to fill out a new beneficiary card.

Despite this coming into effect on November 30th, Canada Post did not communicate this to their benefits people. Many members who attempted to get applications were refused. If you are denied coordination of benefits because Canada Post refused to give you an application, contact your Local union office.


FILLING OF VACANT POSITIONS-ARTICLE 13

There will also be a letter sent to both regular and temporary employees concerning the new provisions of Article 13. Included with this letter is a copy of the new application form. This form will be used for anyone wanting to change classifications, post offices or both. It will also be the form for temporary employees to use if they want to become a regular (permanent) employee within their post office or MAPP.


SAP SYSTEM - THE THIRD RUN

A letter will also be coming out explaining the expanded version of the SAP system. This will allow members to view, via the Internet, their vital information regarding current mailing address, phone number (both home and emergency). It will allow you to view your current leave credits and work schedule. Throughout the month of February different regions will come on line.


BENEFITS

To reflect the new privacy regulations, Great West Life will be changing the benefit forms. The regulations will also make it more difficult for Locals to make enquiries on behalf of members. A written authorization will be required.

Great West Life will have an electronic portal set up in the New Year so members can make claims via the Internet. They will also be able to view their benefit entitlements and their current use. A pamphlet about this will be sent to member's homes.


SEVERANCE PAY

In the second week of January, members will receive a letter which will provide an overview of the process that will happen in the following months. This letter will outline the options open to members. In the spring letters will be sent to the member's homes detailing how much severance pay the member has and giving them one month to decide which option they will be selecting.
Further information will be provided as it becomes available through bulletins and the CUPW website. http://www.cupw-sttp.org .