Sunday December 13, 2020

Eighteen (18) CUPW members, working at the Saskatoon Mail Processing Plant have tested positive for COVID-19. Several of the members are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms, while others are experiencing severe symptoms.

I know I speak for all postal workers when I extend our wishes for a full and quick recovery to all these members.

How Did This Happen?

We believe that physical distancing protocols were not properly adhered to.

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic the Saskatoon CUPW Local has been very proactive in obtaining agreements from local management with respect to safety protocols including physical distancing. With the tremendous increase in volumes and the need for additional staff the requirement for physical distancing was not enforced by management. For example, the area for parcel sortation (known as “the bullpen” was overstaffed.

Canada Post must prioritize physical distancing and this priority cannot be shifted to cram more people into work areas.

 

Our Health Cannot Take Second Place to Productivity

During this period of Christmas volumes and additional staff it is more important than ever to ensure that all work is performed in a manner that protects the health and safety of postal workers.

CUPW has notified Canada Post management that we demand that all sections of mail processing plants, on all shifts, be inspected regularly to ensure that all safety measures, including physical distancing, are being complied with. When public health conducts inspections, it is our position that they should be along side the LJOSH committee members and these reviews should be on the appropriate shifts.

 

You Have Rights to Health and Safety

Under our collective agreements and the provisions of the Canada Labour Code all workers have the right to a workplace and working conditions that are healthy and safe. If you believe that the situation where you are working is overcrowded, or that safe work practices are not being followed, notify your shop steward or Health and Safety representative, or local, joint, Health and Safety committee (LJOSH) as soon as possible.

 

In solidarity,

Julee Sanderson
1st National Vice-President