Thursday November 18 2021
CUPW has filed a cease and desist application against Canada Post’s vaccination practice which will be heard by Arbitrator Burkett on November 24, 2021. We have also filed national grievances against the practice. CUPW supports voluntary COVID-19 vaccination, and is proud that many of our members have been vaccinated. However, CUPW is concerned that the mandatory vaccination practice goes farther than required. Frequent rapid testing is a less intrusive option for employees who object to vaccination, and it achieves the same health and safety goals, without using the threat of economic duress to coerce anyone to get vaccinated. Canada Post’s initial vaccination practice document included a rapid testing option.
As you know, the vaccine practice came into effect October 29, and as it stands now, members who do not comply will be placed on leave without pay after November 26.
We will continue to ensure our workplaces are safe and defend your rights as we do our part to end the pandemic.
To make sure you’re getting the latest communications, please follow us on Twitter (@cupw) and on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/cupwsttp), and subscribe to eDigest at https://www.cupw.ca/en/cupw-edigest.
In Solidarity,
Cease and Desist Arbitration Update
Wednesday November 24 2021
CUPW’s arbitration hearing against Canada Post’s vaccination practice was held today. We presented evidence and expert witness testimony, and the Union believes it provided ample evidence for Arbitrator Burkett to suspend Canada Post’s vaccination practice.
While we continue to encourage voluntary vaccination for members, frequent rapid testing is an alternative, for people who do not want to be vaccinated, that will help to keep workplaces safe and ensures members are treated fairly and their rights are protected.
Canada Post’s initial vaccination practice document included a rapid testing option, and we would like the Corporation to reinstate this option.
Thousands of members could potentially be placed on leave without pay after November 26. The Union will fight to protect the livelihood of all our members.
We will continue to ensure our workplaces are safe and defend your rights as we all do our part to end the pandemic.
To make sure you’re getting the latest communications, please follow us on Twitter (@cupw) and on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/cupwsttp), and subscribe to our eDigest at https://www.cupw.ca/en/cupw-edigest.
In Solidarity,