Recently we have all received a letter from John Duncan Senior Vice-President of Human Resources, outlining the costs of our benefit package. There are some facts about our benefit costs that he is not telling you about.

Through the Consultative Committee on Benefits (Appendix M – UPO Collective Agreement) we receive information from Great West Life (GWL) on our benefit use and cost. While it is important for the members to understand the cost of our benefits, it is also important to know how they compare with other benefit plans. 

EHCP

In 2009, the total cost for the Extended Health Care Plan (EHCP) was $126.8 million for all active and retired employees in the corporation.

This cost represents an increase from 2008 to 2009 of 3.2% for active employees and 3.5% for retirees. According to GWL the trend for other large employer groups is an annual increase of 7 to 9%.

Dental

In 2009, the total cost for the Dental Plan was $46.5 million for all active and retired employees in the corporation.

This figure represents a paid amount of $620 per employee, active and retired, while the trend for other large employer groups is approximately $1,000 per employee.

Clearly, we have had success in negotiations containing costs.

The Big Picture

In part, our benefits represent the success of CUPW to negotiate a comprehensive benefit package and we should be proud of our accomplishments. Without the Membership and our determination to struggle, the compensation packages would be only a shadow of what they are.

The publication of these 'cost' figures also obscures the fact that there have been incredible increases in productivity during the same period that compensation costs have increased. Today more mail is processed and delivered by fewer workers than in the past.

Canada Post is set to achieve another large increase in productivity with the introduction of the Modern Post, now is the time to improve our benefits as well.