Canada Post has made a new offer to CUPW whose members returned to the picket lines last week .
The corporation says the offer maintains key provisions included in the last offer made at the end of May, and also includes compounded wage increases of more than 13 per cent over four years, a defined benefit pension, health and post retirement benefits, up to seven weeks vacation and pre-retirement leave, and a cost of living allowance.
Canada Post says due to its “deteriorating financial situation,” a signing bonus for employees is no longer on the table.
Meanwhile, the corporation is also arguing that it cannot maintain its “job security for life” provision for employees in its urban unit. That clause meant that workers cannot be laid off, even if there is no work for them.
Canada Post is proposing an exception to that rule while it implements federal government directives, while maintaining its proposal for new part-time positions that come with health and pension benefits and scheduled and guaranteed hours.
Similarly, since Ottawa has lifted the moratorium on community mailboxes, Canada Post is proposing the removal of a provision in the urban collective agreement that labels 493 corporate post offices as off limits.
(VOCM News)
CUPW members went on strike just over a week ago following federal directives to address the company’s serious financial issues.
Idle Canada Post delivery vans (VOCM News)
Canada Post details process surrounding potential layoffs
Meanwhile, the corporation is detailing its proposal for how potential layoffs would be handled.
Canada Post is proposing a “transparent workforce adjustment process” that would include six months’ notice to CUPW, a period of consultation with the union, voluntary departure incentives of up to 78 weeks base pay, and seniority-based bidding and bumping.
Laid off employees would retain recall rights for two years, continue to accrue seniority, and have access to the supplementary employee benefits plan.
If not recalled within two years, the employee would receive severance pay and pay in lieu of notice.
Canada Post says layoffs will only be used if other measures, such as attrition and departure incentives, do not achieve their goals.
The corporation says thousands of employees are set to retire in the next few years, so attrition will always be the first choice, but it cannot be the only option.
