Canada Post bargaining: Countdown to Contract Expiry
Published by Patrick July 28th, 2008 in Bargaining, Canada Post / Purolator Tags: Bargaining, Canada Post / Purolator, upce.Our national bargaining team met with Canada Post from July 22 to July 25.
Most of the unions’ proposals with the exception of monetary items have been discussed at least once during this week of bargaining. Some priority items such as leave entitlements, bargaining unit work, hours of work, contact centre proposals and staffing have been discussed several times to date.
Canada Post tabled an initial proposal on dental health and vision care. Because PSAC/UPCE and Canada Post will not be discussing monetary items until the next set of bargaining dates in August, these proposals are not complete and will remain confidential until all of the appropriate information has been received and bargained between the parties.
Canada Post also tabled proposals that would fundamentally alter the current bidding and scheduling practices for contact centre workers. These concessionary proposals were immediately rejected by your bargaining team.
Canada Post rejected the union’s proposal on bargaining unit work (article 7). It appears that the corporation is content with the status quo. At this time they are not prepared to agree to any changes that would prevent the corporation from contracting out or considering alternative service delivery options.
Your bargaining team was not at all surprised by this response and remains confident and committed to fighting for our jobs. This bargaining team is not prepared to negotiate any concessions and will continue to stand up for workplace fairness and ensure that our members’ workplace rights and entitlements are protected.
The agenda for the next round of negotiations will include further discussions on leave provisions, bargaining unit work, benefits, child care and all other monetary items.
Canada Post has shown no significant movement on any of the unions’ proposals this week. This will have to change if a new collective agreement is to be agreed upon before the end of August.
Our next bargaining sessions in August will have a critical impact on your future workplace conditions. Show your support for your bargaining team and for our demands – together we can win a fairer workplace.
Next scheduled bargaining dates are August 20-22 and August 25-29. Contract expires August 31.
PSAC/UPCE at Canada Post – Stronger Together