In the spring of 2022, CUPW and the other unions at Canada Post were approached by the Corporation to request our collaboration for a virtual conference on occupational Health and Safety.

However, at the same time, CPC is adopting a punitive approach towards Health and Safety. For example, with their road safety enforcement program, the Corporation’s approach is simple: imposing for each infraction an immediate suspension without pay. CUPW is against this approach and our position is that all discipline imposed on our members need to be just, reasonable and for sufficient cause and will be assessed by an Arbitrator as per the collective agreement provisions.

Further to that, a number of unresolved issues with the Short-Term Disability Program (STDP) brings into question CPC’s real intent towards Health and Safety. CPC is constantly trying to impose treatment plans to our members through their suppliers with little to no consideration of the opinion of their treating physician. We also have numerous issues with CPC’s accommodation process and had to file numerous grievances over the years on the subject.

Therefore, as long as CPC uses repressive methods to promote occupational Health and Safety, CUPW will not participate or cooperate in any way with the development and presentation of the Corporation’s virtual conference on Health and Safety scheduled in late October 2022. Our position is that, for the time being, we will only participate to collective agreement or Canada Labour Code mandated meetings.

The Union’s view is that education and training to promote Health and Safety in the workplace is a more constructive and positive way to address the issues.

Together, we will win!

In solidarity,