URGENT NOTICE, PLEASE POST!

Recently, a number of Canada Post Ford vehicles have experienced brake failures while being driven by our members. The vehicles that have experienced failure are the Ford E150 Cargo Van. Although an investigation has taken place, the cause of these failures has not been discovered. Currently, the parties are attempting to establish any similarities in these failures. The Union and Canada Post are in contact on a regular basis to monitor the situation. Until the cause of these failures is found, the Union is advising members to be cautious when driving these vehicles.

Members are also encouraged and reminded that they should be conducting a vehicle safety inspection at the beginning of each shift as provided for in clause 33.23 of the collective agreement. Any defects noted during this inspection must be reported to the supervisor immediately.

Locals are asked to examine the regular maintenance schedules for vehicles to ensure that proper maintenance has been completed on all vehicles. Should it be determined that regular maintenance has not been done, Locals are to advise Canada Post that proper maintenance is to be conducted promptly.

Canada Post, like all employers, must practice “due diligence”, which means that although they have the legal responsibility to maintain a healthy and safe workplace, their responsibility goes beyond simply obeying the law. The employer must take all appropriate and effective measures to protect the health and safety or workers.

The Union will continue to update members on any new developments regarding this issue.