On July 23, Canada Post shared some information about its “final” offers and the vote that is currently underway with members. Information was shared via email as well as distributed in some workplaces.
The document that was shared contains some misleading information about the withdrawal of National Policy Grievances that we would like to correct.
Canada Post says: It is quite common to resolve grievances as part of collective bargaining.
While we have resolved grievances in bargaining in the past, it was done under very different circumstances where the Employer and the Union agreed, and the Union recommended that members vote to accept the collective agreements. The situation we find ourselves in today is much different as the Union is not in favour of these agreements.
It is extremely dangerous to allow this Employer to believe it can override the will of the Union and force the withdrawal of grievances. What will stop them from demanding even more grievance withdrawals in the next round of bargaining? Will they ask for the withdrawal of grievances on dismissals, health and safety, restructures? Can we really trust them to act reasonably? During this round of bargaining, Canada Post has shown that there is no limit to the level of disrespect it can have towards the Union and workers.
The document further states. Member asks: Will I still be able to file a grievance? Canada Post says: Yes, the final offers propose no change to the grievance process.
As this question and statement follow the previous quote about the National Policy Grievances, the Employer’s answer is misleading. The subject of the grievances included in the “final” offers include National Policy Grievances around SSD, our personal days, the accumulation of annual leave for RSMCs, as well as bar charts, and relief calculations. Canada Post included the following language: The following matters are resolved and CUPW undertakes not to advance the same or similar issues and/or arguments in the future with respect to identical and/or substantially identical circumstances.
If we accept these offers, some existing grievances will be withdrawn and could not be refiled according to their language.
We hope this information brings some clarity to anyone confused by CPC messaging. Remember that your Union is the best source of information. Please reach out if you have any concerns or questions about Canada Post’s offers.
REJECT THE OFFERS!
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In Solidarity,