Thursday September 27 2018

In 2009, when Canada Post began introducing Postal Transformation, management proclaimed that the new work methods would result in a dramatic reduction in injuries. For many years CPC management congratulated itself for injury reduction and rewarded themselves with financial bonuses while hiding the fact that injuries to letter carriers actually increased.

Letter Carrier Injuries Skyrocket since Postal Transformation

Since 2009 the frequency of disabling injuries to letter carriers has actually increased. Today the disabling injury rate for letter carriers is eight times the average of the rest of the federal sector which includes longshoring, mining, road transport, railways etc.

And the Situation is Getting Worse!

Full-day lost time injuries have only been reported to the union since 2014. These are the most serious injuries. The number of these injuries has increased enormously during the past three years while the actual number of worked hours has decreased.

Full-Day Lost Time Disabling Injuries Reported by CPC

 

2014

2015

2016

2017

Letter Carriers

1154

997

1064

1,433

Other urban operations

382

284

332

450

RSMCs

222

170

213

300

Total CUPW

1,758

1,451

1,609

2,183

We Demand Safer Working Conditions

In the current negotiations we have many demands which are designed to improve working conditions and reduce injuries.

  • Allow a single tie-out  (end multiple bundle delivery)
  • Reduce overburdening
  • Update parcel volumes and adjust routes more frequently
  • Correct formula for percentage of coverage and mail volume index
  • Limit the use of compulsory overtime

We Need Your Support

In this round of bargaining we have many issues that require improvements. Proper staffing for urban Group 1 workers, improved wages for temporary workers and health and safety measures to reduce injuries are key issues that must be resolved.

To date Canada Post management has shown little interest in addressing the problems of postal workers. As in every past round of bargaining we will need a strong show of support from you to convince them that it is time for all postal workers to move forward.

In Solidarity,
Nancy Beauchamp
Chief Negotiator, RSMC Bargaining Unit
Sylvain Lapointe
Chief Negotiator, Urban Unit