MSC RESTRUCTURE UPDATE – February 16, 2015

Postal Transformation

Canada Post has embarked on an aggressive campaign to streamline its operations and cut jobs. They call it – “Postal Transformation”. It begs the question; what have they transformed? I think it is important to note, other than the automation of parcel and mail processing, the method in which the customer receives their product has remained unchanged. The employer’s agenda is clear – disregard health and safety, overburden the workers, and extinguish service standards. In turn, they maximize profits and pay out bonuses to management.

Vancouver Hub and PPC Restructure

The Union met with the Employer on February 6, 2015, alongside MSC representatives from the PPC and the Hub, to discuss the impending restructure. The Union was informed that the restructure will implement on June 15, 2015. This means all future MSC functions will be performed out of the PPC. As a result of this transition, Canada Post will be re-timing all of the travel times in/out of the PPC. Additionally, the Corporation agreed to conduct timings for travel inside the work yard, obtain equipment (keys, books and PDTs), and load/unload at the new Hub belt. The Union has also requested timings to be conducted for all of the 5-ton work due to the increased utilization of IDC carts. In 2014, Canada Post delayed the restructure (which then was rushed and forced) to take affect without the proper processes occurring. In light of the foregoing, the Union has now pressed upon the Corporation to undertake this upcoming restructure with better care and communication, rather than hurry and neglect.

The 2015 Parcel Hub Resturcture

Over the years, the number of parcels delivered by MSCs has increased exceptionally. At present, MSCs at the Parcel Hub deliver on average 19,000 parcels per/week! The Vancouver Parcel Delivery Hub provides the finest service standards in the industry, and Canada Post seeks to besmirch that legacy. Currently, Depot 74, Mountainview Delivery, and Station K are under restructure. As Canada Post transitions into Postal Transformation, the manner in which we deliver product will change. At present, the above-mentioned Letter Carrier Depots do not deliver parcels, this work is done by MSCs. When integrated, this work will be performed by Letter Carriers at a significantly lower time value and later in the day. In previously converted cities such as Toronto and Montreal, service standards plunged and assignments became unmanageable. This lead to multiple restructures to repair the damage. In the end, a large portion of the work was returned to MSCs. It would only seem logical at this point, to maintain the current delivery model for parcel delivery. Unfortunately this is not the case. The Employer has committed to maintain all of the “fixed work” (RPO & SLB Clearance and CPUs) but chose to remove the majority of parcel delivery. During consultation, when shown how nonsensical this plan was, the Employer merely shrugged, despite agreeing earlier with Hub Drivers on where to maintain parcel delivery. One worthy note, the employer is flat out refusing all the requests from the Union to maintain MSCs delivering relay bags.

Projected Net Restructure Rsults

Hub:

  • Loss of 22 fulltime
  • Increase of part-time

Depot 74 Drivers:

  • 100% loss of fulltime & part-time

*There currently exist 24 fulltime vacancies on the MSC rosters in Vancouver.

The 2015 PPC Restructure

At consultation, the Employer informed the Union that the only minimal changes were required for the PPC in the June 15th restructure.  A possible change or reduction of one (1) HVO position and the possible increase of 5-ton schedules are expected, as the new Woodland Depot cannot accommodate a tractor trailer.  There also may be a requirement for additional positions to shunt due to the increased number of trucks coming to the PPC. There has been no announcement to restructure the current step van work.

Bidding

As of the writing of this bulletin, there appears to be no indication of MSCs being displaced due to reductions. However, that could change. We will endeavor to keep members informed of all happenings as they develop. Also, similar to last year’s restructure there will be a “Master Bid”.

The Union firmly believes that MSCs provide exceptional service to the customer. Canada Post would seem to only care about the bottom line rather than preserving the leading industry standard.

In Solidarity,
Chris Zukowsky
1st Vice President

ck-CUPE/3338