During this election campaign, there have been a number of rumours, inaccuracies and misconceptions about our local and how it operates. Having heard some of these rumours, the Vancouver Local Executive would like to set the record straight so that members are basing their decisions on accurate information.
Rumour: Officers are able to campaign on union paid time
Fact: Officers running for another term are campaigning on their personal time. All of their time off is documented and reviewed by the trustee’s committee.
Rumour: There is only one sole legal representative of CUPW
Fact: CUPW Executives and advocates are the only authorized representatives of the membership. CUPW will also contract outside legal services at a National and Regional level for interpretations of matters relating to the Canada Labour Code, Federal legislation, and other matters of concern to working conditions of Postal Workers
Rumour: The Local is misappropriating funds from the budget
Fact: Local finances are reviewed quarterly by the trustee’s committee, and the finances are audited annually by an outside chartered accountant, Culver & Co. The reports of the trustees and the auditor are shared at the General Membership Meeting for all members to review and ask questions before voting to approve the reports.
Article 9.30 of the National Constitution states-
9.30: The National Office shall prepare and supply an appropriate form for submission of an annual financial report by all Locals, except those using the services of a chartered accountant firm to audit their accounts and submit an annual financial statement.
Rumour: A local President can engage with government officials to discuss matters relevant to postal workers and the future of the post office.
Fact: A Local President CAN NOT do that. Article 9.44 of the National Constitution states-
9.44: Locals shall not submit any resolutions relating to federal legislation to any Labour Council or to any government body if such legislation could have any effect on the members, unless such proposed resolution is in keeping with resolutions already approved by the Union at the National Convention or has been approved by the National Executive Committee. Under no circumstances shall a resolution relating to legislation be approved by a Local for submission to a central labour body if it has been disapproved by the National Convention or the National Executive Committee.
Rumour: A local President can update language for our Collective Agreement,
National Constitution and Local Bylaws
Fact: A Local President CAN NOT do that. The Collective Agreement is negotiated with the employer at the National Level. Amendments to the National Constitution can only be made at the National Convention. Local Bylaws require a motion, passed by 2/3 of the membership at a General Membership Meeting, to be amended.
Rumour: A local President can implement a joint mental health assistance program.
Fact: That would violate National Policy A-18, which states-
A-18 Employer’s Publications: In order to wage a complete struggle against the employer’s abuses and paternalism, the Union expresses its determination to represent its members by prohibiting any Union officer from contributing in any way to management publications or messages to postal workers. It also prohibits local Union publications from allowing management to contribute. Instead, the Union promotes the autonomy of the Union, free from employer influence, as the forum for information and education of postal workers to the dangers of contributing to management publications.
Rumour: A local President can review a National Policy Grievance decision.
Fact: The grievance procedure is set out in Article 9, and article 9.102 clearly states-
The award of the arbitrator shall be final and executory. It shall be binding upon the Corporation, the Union and the employees.
Rumour: A local President can negotiate for better parking
Fact: Article 36.05 of the collective agreement already sets out that the Corporation must provide a parking area which is sufficiently large enough to accommodate the employees’ vehicles. A local President CAN NOT compel the Corporation to provide more parking, and a local President CAN NOT override what is written in the Collective Agreement.
If you hear a rumour and you want the truth, call the Union Hall at 604-685-6581