The union has filed a request for an injunction that will force Canada Post to cease and desist implementing a new method of deli very for letter carriers. An ergonomic assessment has found that the new method significantly increases physical discomfort and the risk of injury to our members.

But Canada Post plans to implement the new method before addressing the problems. We won't have our members exposed to a clear and present safety risk in the meantime. Our injury rates are already far too high. We want this problem resolved BEFORE members are forced to endanger their health and safety, not AFTER, when the damage is already done.

Our concerns are based on solid evidence, not hunches. CUPW hired an ergonomist to investigate and assess potential ergonomic risks created by the proposed two-bundle delivery method and to propose recommendations to address identified risk factors.

Article 29 of the urban collective agreement requires that the corporation 'eliminate all injustices to or adverse effects on employees' when making technological changes such as introducing the new method of delivery for carriers. Arbitration under Article 29, concerning other adverse effects related to Postal Transformation, is already underway.

The new method of delivering mail requires letter carriers to hold a bundle of machinesequenced mail in their hand. Manually sorted letter and oversize mail is carried resting on the forearm, while unaddressed admail, packets and personal contact items will be carried in a dual satchel. The ergonomist's report states:

'Ergonomic risk factors are prominent during mail delivery with increased risk being present during the proposed method. Mail delivery is a concern due to the sustained muscle contractions associated with holding the mail bundle. The proposed delivery method is a greater concern as it results in longer duration of sustained exertions and limits the ability to change postures. The proposed dual bundle method would likely increase the risk of injury above the nominal risk letter carriers are exposed to during the current single bundle delivery method.'

The employer may be comfortable with waiting to see how many letter carriers are hurt by the new method, but we aren't. That's why we're filing for a cease-and-desist today.

This is another example of the kind of ruthless thinking that puts machines before people and the financial 'bottom line' ahead of our health and safety. We are taking a stand because we won't be Canada Post's guinea pigs for Postal Transformation.