Last week CUPW representatives met with management to resolve the dispute concerning RSMC routes in Alberta.

Brother George Floresco and I along with CUPW research staff and the CUPW members of the RSMC Transition Committee participated in the meetings. The following local representatives also took part in the discussions with management representatives from Ottawa and Alberta.

• Anna Beale: Grievance Officer, Calgary Local
• Lisa Childs: RSMC Shop Steward, Calgary Local
• John Friesen: Prairie Region Education and Organization Officer
• Brian Henderson: President, Edmonton Local
• Sue Wilson: RSMC Chief Steward, Edmonton Local

The following topics were addressed:

• Establishing new values for the six elements of the Route Management System (RMS) listed in Appendix C of the RSMC collective agreement
• Problems of long term vacancies (there are over 180 long term vacancies in Alberta and many are being filled by contractors)
• The need to adjust RSMC routes of less than four or more than eight daily hours
• Problems associated with growth
• Problems resulting from CPC’s unilateral decision to adjust pay and introduce recruitment bonuses in Calgary Depot 11 and Sherwood Park (Edmonton)

Adjustment in RMS referred to NEB

There is no agreement on the values for all of the six elements of the RMS listed in Appendix C.  The Union will refer these issues to the negotiations that begin next month. Although there is no final agreement there is some progress.  The National Executive Board will discuss the employer’s offer on Appendix C next week. Any agreement will be without prejudice or precedent to any future positions taken by the parties.

If we finalize this agreement we will be able to adjust RSMC routes and to distribute the $4.1 million to RSMCs as provided for under the collective agreement.

Process to fix routes

Canada Post has agreed to a review of the routes in several locations in Alberta. There is a timeframe for the union to submit proposals and for local consultation. The immediate focus will be on routes which are less than four hours and more than eight and those routes that have been vacant for a long time.

Meetings underway in communities

Meetings have taken place this week in Edmonton and Calgary to address the situations in Calgary Depots #4 and #11 and Sherwood Park. Next week the parties will address Edmonton Depots #’s 5, 9 and 12.

Other problematic locations in Alberta will be addressed next.

Local representatives have been assisted by CUPW members of the RSMC transition committee and Brother Floresco.

Solutions needed

The recent job actions of the Alberta RSMCs have convinced Canada Post to pay attention to the problems. The next few weeks will tell if management is prepared to implement solutions.