Mail carriers in the Corner Brook area are concerned about
increased workloads being placed on them by the Canada Post Corporation.
In a news release issued by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers
(CUPW), local representative Krista Ricketts said Canada Post’s decision to hire
temporary workers to manage increases in mail volume is resulting in extended shifts and
safety hazards for letter carriers. It’s also causing mail to be delivered late in
many parts of the city, according to Ricketts.
“Our members are extremely frustrated by the refusal of
(Canada Post) to employ temporary workers, which has been traditional practice,”
Ricketts said in the prepared statement. “As a result, over half the complement of
letter carriers in Corner Brook must now work an additional one hour and 45 minutes on a
daily basis in an effort to maintain efficient mail delivery service. In addition, the
actions of (Canada Post) are denying area residents of much-needed employment, which also
has a negative impact on the community.”
Ricketts said CUPW has advised Canada Post officials on several
occasions during recent months about its Corner Brook members’ concerns. Despite the
union’s intervention, the corporation has not rectified the situation and recently
advised letter carriers they will be issued new safety vests and head lamps to allow for
mail delivery during darkness.
“This is a clear indication that Canada Post remains intent on
increasing the workload of CUPW members during the already hazardous winter season,”
said Ricketts. “(Canada Post) claims to be committed about the well-being of its
workers. However, this recent directive clearly suggests that (Canada Post) is willing to
sacrifice the occupational health and safety of letter carriers for the sake of saving a
few dollars.”
Ricketts said letter carriers in Corner Brook have performed
admirably in carrying out extra duties imposed on them to date, but the new expectations
of them are not realistic and the union does not expect or intend for its member to work
under such conditions for the long term.
[ From The Western Star, Corner Brook, NL ]
22 Mar 2009
Sisters and Brothers:-
Have you taken the time to go to CUPW’s website to complete
the survey on your
workplace? We have 55,000 members and yet the numbers are very low. Please fill out
the survey and make sure others in your local, especially the executive and other
activists, do the same. This is part of a national campaign to grade Green on her 5 years
as CEO of Canada Post. We can’t do this if members don’t assist. It’s all
about our future.
