Canada Post is playing games, again!

Recently Human Resources Skills Development Canada (HRSDC- formerly Labour Canada) issued an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (AVC) to Canada Post in response to a complaint that the CUPW filed regarding Canada Posts' failure to allow CUPW to represent RSMC Members. An AVC is HRSDC's first level of compliance for issues of non-compliance to the Canada Labour Code.

HRSDC determined that the current Local Joint Health and Safety Committee (LJHSC) structure, which was established in February 19,1993 was no longer valid. HRSDC indicated that due to the changes to the Canada Labour Code in 2000, the responsibilities of the LJHSC had changed, in particular with the requirement of the committee to conduct monthly inspections. When the initial LJHSC structure was established monthly inspections were not required and committees were responsible for several facilities.

Canada Post is to:
It should be noted that this AVC applies to all bargaining agents at Canada Post

1. Provide an action plan defining how the Workplace Health and Safety Committees are set up as per the Canada Labour Code Part ll,
2. The set-up can be one of an umbrella committee set-up where applicable,
3. Set - up your Health and Safety Representatives as per the Canada Labour Code Part ll,
4. Training is to be provided to members and representatives,
5. Ensure that the Policy Committees (also known as the National Joint Health and Safety Committee) are consulted for the training for the Workplace Health and Safety Committees members and for the Health and Safety Representatives.

Canada Post still has not complied with this order. Do they think that they are above the law?

Canada Post has not approached the CUPW with any type of resolution to this issue.

The CUPW is prepared to consult, just as we did in the 90's to determine an appropriate health and safety committee structure in which all Members, RSMC and Urban are represented. CUPW is also prepared to consult regarding the training of LJHSC Members.

The CUPW realizes the importance of effective, functioning health and safety committees in order to address the hazards at Canada Post and assist in the prevention of injuries. You would think that Canada Post would come to this realisation considering the injury rate at Canada Post. It appears by their non compliance to the AVC that they have not realized the importance of functioning committees.

If Canada Post attempts to change the Local Joint Health and Safety Committee structure in your Local, contact your Local, Regional and National Union Representatives immediately.
The Union is considering it's options concerning this issue and will provide further updates.