Canada Post put out a message today to all CUPW members in the Urban Postal Operations and Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers units about benefits coverage and working conditions upon the expiry of the collective agreements on May 22.
CUPW has never covered benefits once collective agreements expire – and they very well know this.
While it is important to know what will happen, their messaging is a distraction, especially since their attachment is called “Potential changes to terms and conditions of employment [emphasis added].”
They say that it is not uncommon for bargaining units to cover benefits, but they ignore the fact that our bargaining units combine to over 50,000 people and would cost millions of dollars. It is setting up the Union to be blamed upon expiry of the collective agreements.
Instead of stoking fear among members, Canada Post should get back to the table now to negotiate good collective agreements that members can ratify.
Know Your Rights
Furthermore, it is important for all members to know their rights should the contracts expire without a deal. Please see Negotiations Bulletin 43 for detailed information about your rights at work when you are not covered by a collective agreement.
We must remain united in the face of this employer. Stand strong in solidarity and support your negotiating committees so that we can achieve your demands!
We will keep members updated as we receive new information and encourage you to sign up for eDigest to receive the latest Union news and updates directly in your email inbox. Sign up here: https://www.cupw.ca/en/cupw-edigest.
In solidarity,
Jan Simpson
National President
2023 – 2027 Bulletin #248