The Way Forward: Recommendations for Making CUPW Stronger and More Efficient – Final Report

Brother Denis Lemelin
Members of the National Executive Board
Presidents of local unions
Brothers and Sisters, members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers

Sisters, Brothers:

On behalf of the Independent Working Group on CUPW structure, we are pleased to submit our final report.

This document is the result of hundreds of consultations with CUPW members and officers at all levels in all regions of the country undertaken by the Independent Working Group between January 2009 and January 2010.

Our group was consistently impressed by the hard work and commitment of CUPW officers, activists and members across the country. Yours is an impressive organization with a storied history which continues to play a leadership role in defending the rights of workers in Canada.

However, we feel that it is possible for CUPW to improve its ability to function in four broad areas: better union management; strengthened democracy; greater transparency; and more efficient operation.

Our report makes 119 specific suggestions which are aimed at helping the Union move forward.

We have sought out consensus where that is possible. Where there was no consensus we have put forward recommendations which make the most sense to us, based on the information we have received, and our general understanding of the principles of democracy and good union management practices.

Our recommendations fall into three general categories each of which will probably have to be addressed differently by the Union.

One group of recommendations will clearly require a change in the CUPW Constitution. The changes we propose to the role and composition of the NEB are an example.

A second group of recommendations do not require constitutional change. Some require a simple change in attitude, or in practice, or lie within the power of the NEB to make today.

A third group of recommendations are those that will require further study. Investigating the computerization of grievance handling is an example. This is within the power of the NEB, but will require further study. In these areas we recommend that the Union set in motion a process to study the recommendation further before making changes.

In our assessment, we have now completed the mandate you assigned us sixteen months ago. We remain, of course, at your disposition to provide any clarification you feel necessary. But the ball is now in your court.

On behalf of all the members of the working group, we would like to express our appreciation to you and all the officers, activists and members of the CUPW for entrusting this task to us. We were impressed with the sincerity and generosity with which you shared your time, insights and suggestions with us. We would also like to express our special gratitude to Claire Gravelle and Angèle Morin for the fine support they gave our group.

We hope you and your brothers and sisters find this document of use to you in your search for a better Union.

Nycole Turmel,
Coordinator

Bev Burke,
Member

Peter Larson,
Member