Tuesday July 6 2021
At the National Joint Health and Safety Committee (NJHSC) meeting on May 11, 2021, management presented a new initiative: a program to reward employees for safe driving behaviour while operating a CPC motor vehicle.
Management mentioned that they will be calling on supervisors to identify various driving behaviors that need to be highlighted, such as wearing a seatbelt, respecting the speed limit, or any other behaviour associated with the safe operation of a motor vehicle.
The Corporation will then compile a database with the names of employees who have demonstrated safe driving behaviours, and these employees, based on the program’s assessment, will be rewarded with various recognitions and prizes.
This initiative will take place in 3 phases starting in July 2021, and will culminate with a gala event honoring the “best” employees in November 2021.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has always encouraged and incentivized its members to practice safe working behaviors. However, this CPC initiative involves the collection of information that could be used for other purposes, including potentially for disciplinary purposes.
We are therefore asking you to be extra vigilant on the road.
The employer told us inspections will be done in person only. We remind you that both Urban and RSMC collective agreements forbid the use of surveillance systems as a means to evaluate the performance of employees.
The Union has stated that it does not agree with this new initiative. We continue to oppose, as we have always done, the use of raffle prizes or any other form of recognition gifts.
The Union believes that health and safety must be a daily priority for the employer. Any resources spent on gifts or gala events should be allocated to the prevention and education of employees in the workplace.
The safety of our members is not a game and should be treated seriously by the employer!
Be safe and vigilant.
In Solidarity,