Modern Post: More than Technological Changes

After nearly two years of discussion around the Modern Post or postal transformation project, one thing is now clear: Modern Post is about much more than technological changes. First and foremost, it is a concept or ideology that Canada Post is trying to force on us.  And we are experiencing this everywhere…

 

…In The Workplace

What are we talking about right now in the workplace? About positions not being filled, sisters and brothers being hassled by Manulife, letter carriers being forced back to work, workers being discharged for ridiculous reasons, rural and suburban mail carriers being overburdened and collective agreements being violated.  The atmosphere has become unbearable. The employer is forcing people to retire early to make room for machines!

 

…At Union Management Consultation

All locals are currently trying to address workplace problems, but without much success. Consultation is taking place and appears to provide solutions, but managers change directives and the entire process has to start all over again. This is happening locally and regionally. The employer is keeping the union busy by changing the work schedules or sections. And the list of grievances keeps getting longer. The employer is systematically and deliberately blocking enforcement of the collective agreements.

 

…In Negotiations on the Technological Changes

This is also happening in national negotiations on technological changes. We get information about the changes and ask for explanations about their impact, and then the whole thing starts all over again. Proposals are exchanged and the employer rejects each and every proposal that deals with expanding or improving service. This is what’s happening in Winnipeg right now despite the fact that our demands are realistic. It is clear that we are facing a concerted strategy.

 

Our Vision Must Prevail

As we can see: EVERYTHING IS TIED TOGETHER. What’s happening on the work floor, at consultation and in negotiations around various issues is a wholesale attack, which requires a global response. We have to fight back using our collective agreement, but mostly by relying on our collective strength and our vision of a universal public postal service. This vision must play a central role in everything we do.