Pacific Processing Centre Plant Rules
Recently I was approached by the Western Region Health & Safety officer Patrick McGraw along with Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) Manager Wendy Lund and HRBP Hilda Vega, regarding the plant rules. I was asked by Mr McGraw if I knew what the plant rules were. I responded, “Yes I know and that’s why I am wearing steel toed shoes and a safety vest”. Mr. McGraw then asked me if I knew the rules around jewellery and hair. I said, “yes and I am also aware of the agreement between both parties to conduct risk assessments if any issues arise”.
Mr. McGraw continued to insist I follow the plant rules and I advised him that he was questioning the wrong person and that the corporation should follow the process on conducting risk assessments that was agreed to in a meeting with representatives from the Local Joint Health and Safety Committee (LJSOH) and the National Joint Health and Safety Committee (NJOSH). I made it clear that I had no problem following the plant rules but I will not waste my time arguing with representatives of management unless Canada Post is willing to put in writing that my KARA (religious iron bangle) is unsafe. I also said that I would take my watch and wedding ring off once a risk assessment was done and Canada Post would put in writing that it was unsafe to wear them while operating a forklift.
As most of you may remember in 2016, PPC management was trying to enforce the plant rules regarding jewellery, watches, dangling earrings, necklaces, Kara (iron bangle Sikh men and women wear) and other wearable items of religious significance. From day one the Union and the corporation were trying to find some common ground. This issue not only revolves around safety, many of our members felt frustrated and disappointed that their freedom of religion rights, which are enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, were being violated.
At the time many members brought forward their concerns regarding having to take off their wedding rings. Other members brought forward concerns regarding local management’s harsh approach in the pre-shift meetings regarding the removal of jewellery, watches and other items. Our South Asian members were very upset by local management’s approach by being asked to take off their KARA, a religious symbol and identity of any Sikh member.
After many attempts the issue was not resolved at the LJOSH.
On February 17, 2016, some of the CUPW NJOSH members walked around the plant to identify areas that risk assessments could be conducted. During their tour they met with the members on the work floor to gather concerns for the meeting. On Feb 18, 2016, CUPW representatives from the Local, the Region and National office met with the CPC representative of the NJOSH, and other members of local management.
Canada Post wanted to utilize blanket enforcement of the plant safety rules and wanted everyone to comply. The Union argued that the corporation’s approach was narrow minded, unnecessary and that the Corporation should find a proactive way to come up with a solution.
Both parties agreed that PPC management would conduct the individual workplace assessments in the presence of CUPW Health & Safety reps Anju Parmar and Ken Doyle in each section to measure the potential risk to injury around mechanized equipment. Work sections like VES, Finals, Short & Long manual, PO5S and any other work areas that did not have mechanized equipment would not need to remove any items.
Both parties also agreed that there would not be any discussions by management with our members regarding the Kara (iron bangle) or any other items until the assessments were done. The PPC LJOSH would meet again on February 25, 2016, to set up a schedule for the risk assessments.
At no point after our national meetings in February 2016 did PPC management set up any dates to do any risk assessments. The Local Union reminded the employer numerous times in the PPC LJOSH meetings that CPC should conduct the risk assessments.
I would like to remind everyone that before PPC management enforces any rules regarding the removal of jewellery, watches, other wearable items of religious significance, etc. they must go through a risk assessment. I would also like to remind everyone that the Union worked really hard on this issue and has spent a lot of time trying to come up with a resolution.
Please notify the local office or myself if any issues arise in the near future regarding the plant rules.
In Solidarity,
Anju Parmar
3nd Vice-President
la/CUPE-3338