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.
Group 1:
- There have been discussions surrounding staggering break times to limit the number of people in break areas at any one time, this may mean that there are 3-4 different break times per shift.
- City dispatch on shift 1 will be done by IDC’s to avoid the congestion in the morning on the south side. This will happen throughout the night.
- Runouts will be limited to two (2) people working per runout.
- Non-Con 1 and 2 will be limited to no more than five (5) people working together at one time.
- Volunteers from each shift are assisting in cleaning equipment and making sure rest pods, ATR’s, scanners and PDT’s are clean.
- Additional proper signage will be posted regarding the need for everybody to ensure that social distancing occurs, including in rest pods. Some rest pods will get signage stating no more than ten (10) people at a time.
- Main entrance doors will be kept open during the shift change to avoid unnecessary congestion and contact with surfaces.
- Canada Post is working on enhancing the cleanliness of PPC by making sure soap and paper towels are readily available.
Group 2:
- Social distancing: We have suggested staggering start times; for depots with multiple waves we have suggested 7:00am and 8:00am starts for wave 1, and 9:00am and 10:00am starts for wave 2, or something to that effect for different start times depot to depot. A plan has been put in place to administer this and should have taken effect Monday, March 23rd. If this has not taken effect, please contact the local office and let us know.
- Floor talks: At this point, obviously communication is key for all of us. Information is coming to us by the minute. We have suggested that all floor talks be limited to groups of approximately 6-8 to maintain social distancing.
- Forced overtime: We have made it clear to the Employer that under no circumstances should Article 15.04 (force back overtime) be used to staff vacancies for whatever reason.
- Delivery to care homes/retirement facilities/hospitals/clinics etc.: As the signs on the doors are limiting access to the building to staff and medical personnel only, we need to honor this as well. Two solutions so far have been an alternate delivery point, and leaving the mail outside for the office staff to pick up. If you have one of these types of calls on your route please notify management if you haven’t already.
- Large volume receivers/mailers: Same as above. As we want to limit interaction as much as possible, please identify any points of call that require special arrangements to be made for pickups/drop-offs. CPC can contact the customer to have temporary arrangements made.
- “Strategic Delivery”: There has been much discussion surrounding what is essential or non-essential at this point, and the Union has urged Canada Post to employ strategic delivery including altering of the “neighborhood mail” delivery process and prioritizing items for delivery in an attempt to limit unnecessary contact. At this stage CPC has stated that there is no plan to change normal practices, but the Union continues to push CPC to do so.
- Hand sanitizer, gloves, etc.: We have made it clear that CPC must do everything in its power to procure enough hand sanitizer, gloves, etc. for each installation and is assisting CPC in this endeavor.
- Ultimately, we all have the responsibility to take care of ourselves. The term “we must attempt” has been replaced with “we must assess.” If you feel a situation is putting you in a position that is unsafe, you have the right to refuse unsafe work under Article 33.13 of our Collective Agreement. Please use your judgement to make choices that are best for you. Make sure to report any delivery hazards or impediments to local management and your LJOSH committee ASAP. If you are unsure or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your local steward, or the local itself.
Groups 3&4:
- At Glen Drive: The Chief Steward and H&S Rep handed out instructions regarding social distancing and proper hand washing. Requests were made for hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes which CPC has provided.
- At the PPC: Enforcement of social distancing achieved by no longer having pre-shift meetings in groups.
Retail:
- Signage for social distancing should be posted in all outlets. Also signs explaining if customers have symptoms or have traveled not to enter.
- Social distancing markers should be on the retail floor now. Official decals will follow, late this week or early next week.
- Plexiglas Shields to be installed in front of the RPS at the counter. Management says this will be done by the end of the week.
- Reduced hours at most locations. 10:00am to 4:00pm for most, with no loss of hours for members. Down time to stock merchandise, sanitize equipment. First hour each day for seniors and customers with disabilities.
- PPE equipment: Gloves were delivered over the weekend. Sanitizers, wipes, to be supplied as soon as it’s available.
Hand Sanitizer:
With the announcements that local breweries and distilleries will begin production of hand sanitizers, the Local has contacted several local businesses to inquire about obtaining hand sanitizing products and is working with Canada Post to obtain them; arrangements have already been made for some locations and we are optimistic that arrangements for others will be reached soon.
Cleaning of Facilities:
We have raised concerns regarding the cleanliness of some facilities and pushed for additional cleaning. If you believe the cleaning in your facility is inadequate, please raise this issue with your Shop Steward, LJOSH representative, or by calling the Local.
COVID-19 Daily Crisis Reporting:
The CUPW National Office has sent out a memo yesterday asking that LJOSH committee members and/or health and safety representatives in each facility to complete a COVID-19 Daily Crisis report in order to monitor whether or not CPC is respecting its health and safety commitments on the work floor and to provide feedback on measures that need to be urgently undertaken. These forms are being forwarded to the representatives in each facility. If you have a concern regarding COVID-19 in the workplace please report it to your LJOSH committee member and/or health and safety representative right away.
The Struggle Continues!
We would like to recognize and thank each one of your for your efforts during this difficult time. Your collective efforts are ensuring that the Pubic Post Office provides vital service to our society and ultimately benefiting us all.
In Solidarity,
Vancouver Local 846