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.
MARCH 9, 2020
It was revealed that member had last worked on March 9th for five (5) hours. Four (4) hours in International records unit (IRU) and one (1) hour in bag revision in the Vancouver Exchange office (VEO). It was reported that the individual was wearing a mask for the duration of their shift and has not returned to work since.
MARCH 16, 2020
CPC identified the individuals who had close contact with this person on March 9th, and immediately asked them to quarantine themselves. A deep clean of the areas where this individual worked, including rest pods, doors, hand rails, and access points was undertaken. A communication bulletin was circulated to PPC employees shortly thereafter.
MARCH 17, 2020
Canada Post was informed by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), that the individual had in fact tested NEGATIVE.
MARCH 29, 2020
VCH informed Canada Post that this individual had actually tested POSITIVE for COVID–19. How and why this occurred remains a mystery at this time. However, it seems as though VCH provided contradictory reports and failed to accurately report on a positive case of COVID–19 impacting a workplace where more than 2,500 people work after initially providing a false negative diagnosis.
NO RESPONSE, NO ACCOUNTABILITY
It is our understanding that Canada Post has asked someone from VCH to come speak to everyone on all shifts and work areas at the PPC but they have declined to do so stating that there was no risk of exposure from this case to staff of the PPC. The Union has also attempted to make contact with Vancouver Coastal Health, however, to date we have not had a response.
WHAT NEXT
We met with Canada Post on March 29th to discuss plans with respect to this new information. We explained that our expectation was for the PPC be immediately closed for twenty four (24) hours for deep cleaning. In fact, CUPW officers, executive members and other members volunteered to assist in the cleaning of the facility. National Canada Post Vice President of Operations Brian Wilson refused our request and offer. We stated that their response to this new information was insufficient and demonstrates that Canada Post cares only of profits and production, rather than the well-being of its employees at the PPC, and members of the public. Shame on you Canada Post!
LOOKING AHEAD
This unprecedented time has many of us frightened and concerned. The health and safety of our members’ is tantamount. We will continue to urge our Employer to do what is necessary to ensure you are protected and valued. Postal workers continue to work tirelessly every day to keep the mail moving and into the hands of Canadians. Your selfless service and dedication during this extraordinary time can only be described as heroic. Its time Canada Post come to the same realization. Stay safe, stay strong.
In Solidarity,
Chris Zukowsky,
President