On May 1, 2008, CUPW representatives met with CPC management to discuss the plans for “The Modern Post”. The Union explained to management that the union’s objectives are to improve and create jobs. We believe that machines should be used to help workers, not replace them. For the Union to properly exercise our right to negotiate technological changes under Article 29 and the Canada Labour Code (which covers RSMC’s) we must receive all the information and studies that are available. We are demanding that health and safety studies be done on the new equipment and on the broader effects of the equipment such as the impact of sequencing on letter carriers and that the Union must involved in the review of all new machinery and changes in work methods.

Here is some of the information we have received from CPC.

New “Delivery Model”

A central part of CPC’s “Modern Post” automation program is the new delivery model for letter carriers and MSC’s. The main points of this new model include:

• 80% of letter carrier routes in major urban areas to be affected, as well as about 35% of all RSMC routes. 
• About 90% of letter-sized mail will be sequenced to line of delivery by machines in plants. 
• Two or three letter carriers will use each A-62 case in shifts to sort the rest of the letter mail, flats, and packets.
• 80-85% of letter carrier routes would be motorized where the new “Delivery Model” is in place.
• Motorized letter carrier routes would deliver all items for their delivery area, including parcels.
• Foot routes will remain in high density areas, generally the downtown core of cities with MSC parcel delivery in these areas.

New plant in Winnipeg

The Union has been provided with the specifications of the new Winnipeg Plant and it has provided us with a glimpse of Canada Post’s plans for the future.

• The new plant has a lot of natural light through sky lights and windows and will be LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certified.
• The new plant will also have parking for 304 vehicles.
• There will be 24 Video Coding Desks, up from the current number of six.
• Tech services will have their space reduced from the current 10,300 square feet to 7,400.

Huge Impact on Jobs and Work

CPC’s plans have an enormous impact on the CUPW bargaining unit.  Up to an hour of sortation time in the depot could disappear from letter carrier routes, as well as the householder preparation time and travel times back to the depot for lunch.  Most MSC jobs would disappear. The new mail processing technology is also designed to eliminate many jobs.

The Role of CUPW

The role of CUPW is to ensure that CPC eliminates these adverse effects, respects the health and safety of the workers and find ways to protect and create jobs. We will also negotiate a share of the benefits of automation and ensure that the public also benefits through improved postal services. We will be involved. We will make suggestions and recommendations. We will not be shutout.