Last week, Canada Post delivered an Article 29.03 (b) Notice to the union regarding its Modern Post (Postal Transformation) initiative in Winnipeg. The Union then told Canada Post that the Notice was not adequate because it did not meet the terms of our collective agreement. It was missing basic and important information about “all foreseeable effects and repercussions on employees” resulting from the introduction of new technology in Manitoba.

What the “(b) Notice” did say

The employer’s “(b) Notice” did provide some information about where a lot of the CUPW jobs will be lost. According to the Notice, Canada Post plans to cut approximately 15 percent of the full time Group 1 (PO2s, PO4’s, PO5s) and Group 2 (letter carriers, mail service couriers) positions. The notice says that there will be three new Technical Services positions.

What the “(b) Notice” did not say

Canada Post provided no information on the impact or anticipated adverse effects:

• on other offices in Manitoba
• for workers who are currently being accommodated
• on workers in retail
• on temporary employees
• on health and safety and ergonomics
• on the hours worked for part time employees
• on the expected levels of motorization
• on surrounding offices that will have their mail sequenced to point of delivery 
• who will shuttle the work between the two facilities and the airport
• who will maintain the vehicles
• the expected duties for P05, P04, depot clerks, LCA, DRS
• who will be left to work at the old plant and for how long

If you think your post office is too small to be affected – think again

The important lesson from Winnipeg is that Canada Post’s large scale “Postal Transformation” (PT) is all about merging the work of smaller depots, post offices and facilities.  

Last week we received a 29.03(a) Notice from Canada Post stating their nation-wide intention to “process local Street Letter Box collection mail, large volume mail and retail outlet mail at Mail Processing Plants outside the local area.”* Canada Post appears to have no plans to reinvest efficiency-driven profits from the technological changes back into service expansion and job creation. No one will be untouched by the Modern Post.

The union has asked the employer for more information. Once they answer our basic and important questions, the union can begin to negotiate solutions to the adverse affects Canada Post will introduce with their new technology. In the meantime, our strength to negotiate those solutions at the bargaining table will come directly from membership support. And that means all of us.