Negotiations between the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and Canada Post are moving forward, albeit slowly.
“They're progressing a little bit. It's been baby steps with negotiations the past week,” said Barbara Lilly, president of CUPW Local 818. “They're focusing on the not so complex issues right now.”
Union officials met with Canada Post officials last week, and provided updates on negotiations held July 19 and 20.
Lilly noted there was progress made with some issues, including those surrounding Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers (RSMC) seniority transfer rights. Rural route holders and permanent relief employees will now be able to apply for any vacant route or permanent relief position in the country and still keep their seniority.
“As our collective agreement says right now we can only transfer within 75 kilometres out of present location,” said Lilly, noting that restriction has been removed. “Now we can transfer across Canada without losing seniority.”
Another important area they want to focus on is staffing issues to ensure all jobs are protected.
“We want our (temporary workers) to get permanent status,” said Lilly. “We don't want them listed as casual because it's really not fair. They have a job at Canada Post but they'll call them when they need them and sometimes it could be a month or two months.”
Other big issues up for discussion include improved health and safety protection for all postal workers, (unwanted) overtime, improving the short-term disability plan, and fair wage adjustments for tech services members.
Lilly said there is some stability at the moment, which is providing workers with a positive outlook.
“It's improved the morale quite a bit, that they are moving on some things,” said Lilly.
The strike vote, taken by postal workers in June, expires at the end of August, she noted, adding everyone is hoping for a resolution before then.
“That's probably why CUPW wants to get this agreement signed and finalized,” said Lilly. “Then workers know they don't have to worry about this situation any more.”
Barbara Lilly, president of CUPW Local 818
"They're progressing a little bit. It's been baby steps with negotiations the past week. They're focusing on the not so complex issues right now."
