President's Update: March 2011

Your Branch has been very VERY busy since my last report. I apologize for the lack of updates on our website. As Vice-President it was my job to look after our website. This job turned out to be a bigger job than I had imagined. I think you will notice a change for the better in the upcoming months.

As of January 15, 2011, your Branch Board now is a team of 5 members. Dawn McKersie has resigned for personal reasons and we will miss her greatly. At our recent Board Meeting it was decided that our Branch can handle business with 5 members and will not replace her.  Some Branches across the Country are going to remain with a team of 6, and that decision is now completely at the discretion of each Branch.

CPAA is facing some serious hour reductions and in some cases positions will be eliminated. We consulted with the Corporation in January/11. We feel it was not a meaningful consultation.  it appears Canada Post is not completing operational reviews but now is using the RPS to determine we are not working ALL the time. I think it was stated that there are times we are doing nothing in our offices. We cannot say it enough, any time you have donated to CPC and will in the future, will not be appreciated but will be used against you and your office by the means of hour cuts.

We have filed 62 grievances to date this year. Most of these are related to the consultation process and hour reductions. Positions are being cut in a manner that violates our agreement with Canada Post. Many long-time employees are seeing a reduction in their hours that will affect their pay and pensions, while CPC chooses to avoid reducing from employees with lesser hours and service. We will keep you posted. We appreciate the response and involvement all our members have given to this situation. The more we communicate and share the stronger we are.

Barb Lincoln