December 12, 2008
Negotiations with Canada Post
News release
Union recommends no to Canada Post last offer
Ottawa – The union representing 2,100 striking Canada Post workers, is recommending that its members reject Canada Post's last contract offer. The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) says the offer proposes a significant step backwards for its members.
“The employer wants to abolish family related leave and reduce sick leave, this is totally unacceptable,” says John Gordon, PSAC National President. Even worse, says Gordon, the employer wants to give authority to a private insurance company that will determine how and when the workers can access sick leave benefits.
Under Canada Post's scheme, the private insurance company would have access to all employees' medical records and would be empowered to override the recommendations of a worker's family doctor.
“This would put workers at the mercy of an insurance company whose main goal is to make more money,” says Gordon.
Under the current system, Canada Post employees can accumulate sick leave, use it when necessary and unused sick leave can be carried over from one year to the next.
The system proposed by Canada Post would put a private insurance company in charge of policing the employee attendance. The insurance company would also be in a position to reject employee claims.
The collective agreement between UPCE/PSAC and Canada Post expired on August 31, 2008. The negotiations began on June 4, 2008.
In October, the members voted 88 per cent in favour of strike action, categorically rejecting the employer's proposed sick leave/disability system. The strike begun on November 17.
The strikers at Canada Post are supported by 160,000 PSAC members and have garnered support from the broader labour movement.
To arrange media interviews:
Alain Cossette (613) 293-9210
78-121208
Date Modified : 2010/07/29
