In Winnipeg, the MSCs lost approximately 67% of FT positions and 95% of FT dayshift positions, as MSC work was converted to motorized letter carrier. Only one loop remains from their hub, in the city core. Prior to PT, 14 loops covered the entire city. MSCs faced the highest job cuts, and in Vancouver we can expect something along the same lines.
Having said that, there are differences in our operations that will affect how PT plays out in Vancouver. In Winnipeg, they have no HVO (heavy vehicle classification), their operation is smaller (1/3 the size), they have less shuttles and pick ups, and MSCs work only within the Winnipeg Local.
This is in contrast to the operation in Vancouver – high density, geographic area, and location for International mail and the likelihood that the Pacific Processing Plant (PPP) will be the centralized mail processing plant in this Region.
Vancouver MSCs will have a better “idea” of what we’re facing when we receive the Article 29.03B notice. After seeing Group 1s posting, most drivers want to know, “What about MSCs?” “How will it affect us?”
Under Article 29, Canada Post is required to provide notification at least 120 days prior to any technological change or changes to work method. They must disclose all foreseeable effects and repercussions on employees. We’ve asked them to provide it earlier, so MSCs can plan how they will deal with these changes.
Since the first change is scheduled for February 8, 2014, with VPDC’s move into the new plant, we should receive notification before the beginning of October. Keep in mind that the restructuring of the routes to letter carrier will take more than 12 months. The employer’s timeline at this time is anywhere between 18 months and two years. In the Prairies, they found that the number of MSCs kept was higher than Canada Post estimated.
In Winnipeg, the biggest change for remaining MSCs was the switch from monos to IDC carts. Now MSCs push IDC carts off of their trucks, then PO5s separate and marshall the mail. Five tonnes or medium trucks can’t be used for pick ups at ground level, because of the tipping hazard of IDC carts on tailgates. Another issues were rest pods, which MSCs aren’t using because the plant is noisy during their breaks, and the new dock systems like air barriers and dock guards are also causing problems for drivers and internal workers.
A concern for MSCs transferring into Letter Carrier is that PT isn’t working for Letter Carriers. They’ve had an approximattely 50-75% increase in Letter Carrier injuries since PT. Safety is a major concern. Most grievances for external workers have not been resolved including the 2 bundle system.
We are hoping that some of these issues may be resolved before it is implemented in Vancouver.
Since MSCs will be surplused and displaced to other jobs, a method will need to be agreed on for how this will work. MSCs should wait for this Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Canada Post and the Union to be in place before deciding to transfer out, because it should offer protection, such as giving surplused drivers priority if more MSC are needed in the future.
There are some MSCs that have self accommodated themselves and will not be able to do a letter carrier job if they need to transfer to that classification. One of the issues the Union needs to know is if you have limitations that the Corporation doesn’t know about. If that is the case, you need to talk to a Steward or call the Union Hall with your information so we can raise it at consultation.
The Union has started the process of consultation and will be putting out information as soon as it can, letting you know as soon as more information is available.
Please continue to let us know what your concerns and questions are. We’ll do whatever we can to address MSC concerns and improve the outcome for drivers. Since we’re dealing with Canada Post, some issues will undoubtedly take time to resolve through the grievance process.
It’s important that MSCs stand together and support each other now more than ever.
In Solidarity,
Jayne Priest
for Modern Post Committee