On March 16 Canada Post directorship at the Pacific Processing Centre (PPC) contacted the Union informing us that a member had reported testing positive for COVID–19. The Employer also informed us that immediate steps were taken to determine where and when the member had last worked and who had been in contact with the member.
COVID-19 STATUS REPORT
Since the first COVID-19 case was identified in Canada on January 27, 2020, postal workers, along with your local, regional, and national union representatives, have been demanding health and safety measures be properly implemented.
We are aware of problems on the work-floors, and that Canada Post was not adequately prepared for this pandemic – cleaning and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) have been in short supply. Many measures have gradually been put in place. Collective pressure from CUPW members and the recent spike of confirmed cases in Canada has resulted in a much more responsive Canada Post over the past weeks.
Coming Back to Work Safely in St. John’s
All the while that we have been responding to the COVID-19 crisis, we were preparing for the possibility of postal workers being infected. Indeed, last week in St. John’s, NL, we had confirmed cases of COVID-19.
While the local and regional representatives were responding, the national office kept close watch on Canada Post Corporation management to ensure that our members were properly protected.
CUPW: Protecting Postal Workers to Protect Us All
For immediate Release March 30, 2020
OTTAWA – The Canadian Union of Postal Workers is closely monitoring the measures that are being implemented in Canada Post facilities to minimize the risk, albeit low, of COVID-19 spreading via the postal system. Our members can rest assured that our priority is their health and safety.
*ALERT* Website Change
Due to the amount of information we are receiving regarding the ongoing COVID-19 crisis we have created a dedicated area on the front page titled “COVID- 19 Info”.
For mobile devices; it is located below the current front page posts.
For desktop users; it will be located to the right ledger of your screen.
New information regarding Covid – 19 will be posted on the front page and then will be archived to the COVID – 19 info area. All information will located there for your convenience.
**Please note; in order to facilitate the above, we have temporarily removed the “Negotiations” information area. All negotiations related bulletins can still be found in the “Archived Bulletins” tab.
Thank you for your understanding.
COVID-19 Information Update: March 24, 2020
As we attempt to navigate through these uncertain times, we want to inform you all of the discussions we have been having with Canada Post locally surrounding topics that matter to us all.
Media Release: Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) Vancouver Local
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
As we continue to deal with the Covid-19 outbreak, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) Vancouver Local would like to recognize the postal workers who continue to work tirelessly to ensure Canadians continue to receive their mail and packages during this unprecedented time. The Public Post Office is an essential service for Canadians, especially now for those under quarantine, have self-isolated, and are practicing social distancing.
During this extraordinary time, we ask that you please practice social distancing from postal workers while they provide this essential service. We also ask that if you are able, please regularly clean your mail receptacles, elevators, and entrance ways including door handles at entry points.
While many Canadians remain at home we understand that access to food, medical prescriptions, and supplies is a concern –Postal Workers can help. Our members are committed to working safely, and ensuring that Canadians continue to be supported by their Public Post Office.
Regards,
Chris Zukowsky
President
CUPW Vancouver Local 846