p1 Cover E
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March 2013
Transcript of p1 Cover E
March 2013
Canadian Postmasters and Assistants Association (CPAA) is committed to maintaining the security, privacy, and accuracy of our members= personal information. Our members= personal information is collected,
stored, used, and disclosed in a manner that complies with the CPAA Privacy Policy.
National President
Leslie A. Schous
National Vice President Dwayne Jones
National Vice President
Pierre Charbonneau
National Secretary‐Treasurer Daniel L. Maheux
Support Staff
Sylvie Duguay Lise Deschamps Pascal Leroux Chantal Legault Joanne Midouin
Editor CPAA Branch Representatives A complete listing is in this magazine.
The Canadian Postmaster is published twice a year by the Canadian Postmasters and Assistants Association.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS In order to maintain an accurate mailing list, please send your change of address to our National Office as soon as possible.
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Address inquiries, comments or correspondence to:
CPAA 281 Queen Mary
Ottawa ON K1K 1X1
Tel. 613‐745‐2095 Fax 613‐745‐5559
E‐Mail: mail@cpaa‐acmpa.ca Web site: www.cpaa‐acmpa.ca
Agreement No. 40069832 ISSN/0008‐4794
Introduction of the New
National Vice President
located on page 7
Financial Statement
A copy of the 2012 Financial Statement is available upon request.
Please see page 8
Visit the CPAA Web site regularly to keep yourself up to date on new information.
www.cpaaacmpa.ca
2013 National Triennial Convention
St. John’s, Newfoundland
and Labrador
The dates and locations for the
Branch and National Triennial
Conventions are located on page 6.
CPAA Union Representatives / Représentants syndicaux de l'ACMPA281 Queen Mary, Ottawa, Ontario K1K 1X1 [email protected]
Name and address / Nom et adresse Email / Courriel Tel. No. / n° de tél.Fax Off.-bureau Home-rés.
Mrs. Leslie A. Schous Nat. Pres. / Prés. Nat. [email protected] 613-745-5559 613-745-2095 613-747-6131Mr. Dwayne Jones Nat. Vice Pres. / Vice-prés. Nat. [email protected] 613-745-5559 613-745-2095 M. Pierre Charbonneau Nat. Vice Pres. / Vice-prés. Nat. [email protected] 613-745-5559 613-745-2095 819-772-2430Mr. Daniel L. Maheux Nat. Sec.-Treas. / Sec.-Trés. Nat. [email protected] 613-745-5559 613-745-2095
Newfoundland and Labrador / Terre-Neuve et LabradorMrs. Louise Ade, Pres., 322 Conception Bay Highway, Conception Bay S. A1X 7A3 (Goulds) [email protected] 709-834-1536 709-364-6888 709-834-4289Ms. Kimberly V. Hunt, Vice Pres., 20 Dawes Place, Conception Bay S. A1X 6Z7 (Hr Main) [email protected] 709-744-2546 709-229-6279 709-744-1945Ms. Joan Murphy, Sec.-Treas., 29 Joshwill Cres, Conception Bay S. A1X 7E2 (Foxtrap) [email protected] 709-834-0916 709-834-1106 709-728-8100Mrs. Shari Porter, Dir., Box 104, Brigus A0A 1K0 [email protected] 709-528-3190 709-528-4795Mrs. Jackie Buckle, Dir., 9 Ric-Car Dr., CBS A1X 7X2 (Clarke's Beach) [email protected] 709-786-3662 709-834-6011Mrs. Donna Gibson, Dir., PO Box 272, Coleys Point South A0A 1X0 (Cupids) [email protected] 709-528-3320 709-786-4388
Maritime / MaritimesMrs. Karen E. MacDonald, Pres., 247 Walker, Summerside C1N 5S6 (Borden-Car.) [email protected] 902-436-0464 902-855-2400 902-888-2178Ms. Catherine B. Léger, Vice Pres., 123 Coates Mills S Rd, Ste-Marie-De-Kent E4S 1P2 [email protected] 506-955-8193 506-955-3214 506-955-3296Mrs. Louise Harris, Sec.-Treas., 971 Bradley Street, Wilmot B0P 1W0 (Kingston) [email protected] 902-242-2622 902-765-2435 902-765-2371Mrs. Tonya M. Dort, Dir., 54 Sanctuary Drive, Debert B0M 1G0 (Brookfield) [email protected] 902-662-3542 902-673-2034 902-662-3539Ms. Cheryl MacKenzie, Dir., 1487 Route 7, Welsford E5K 3Y5 (Grand Bay) [email protected] 506-486-4868 506-738-2613 506-486-2975Mme Nathalie Raymond, Dir., 5148 Route 134, Allardville E8L 1B8 [email protected] 506-583-0053 506-725-2003 506-725-9199
QuébecMme Jacinthe Turcotte, Prés., 40 rang de la Rivière, Maddington Falls G0Z 1C0 (St-Cyrill.) [email protected] 819-367-2441 819-397-2319 819-367-2081Mme Susan Morissette, Vice-prés., 499 8e Rue est, La Guadeloupe G0M 1G0 (St-Honoré) [email protected] 418-459-3665 418-485-6355 418-459-6367M. Jacques Vézina, Sec.-Trés., 814 François Rabelais, Neuville G0A 2R0 [email protected] 418-876-2738 418-876-2084 418-876-2435Mme Chantal Guillemette, Dir., 69 Ross, Victoriaville G6P 0B3 (St Célest.) [email protected] 819-758-1067 819-229-3333 819-758-4415Mme Odette Desgagnés, Dir., 572 ch. du Quai, St-Joseph de la Rive G0A 3Y0 (Les Éboul.) [email protected] 418-635-1586 418-635-1180 418-635-2505M. Steeven Roy, Dir., 124 Rolland, St-Henri G0R 3E0 (St Henri .) [email protected] 418-882-3600 418-882-2414 418-882-3600
OntarioMrs. Brenda McAuley, Pres., 2004 Sagebrush Place, Sudbury P3A 4X7 (Falconbridge) [email protected] 705-521-1888 705-521-1117 705-521-1117Mrs. Sandra L. Wilson, Vice Pres., 57 Pottinger Street, Lindsay K9V 3X9 (Haliburton) [email protected] 705-878-0384 705-878-8306 705-878-8306Mrs. Earlene R. Simpson, Sec.-Treas., PO Box 274, Port Carling P0B 1J0 (Bala) [email protected] 705-765-3358 705-762-5412 705-765-0643Mme Rita Chartrand, Dir., 2 Pioneer Street W Box 203, Markstay P0M 2G0 [email protected] 705-853-1210 705-853-4356 705-853-1209Mrs. Connie A. Kelloway, Dir., 132 Queen St., Angus L0M 1B0 [email protected] 705-424-7377 705-424-5653 705-424-1107 * *
ManitobaMrs. Julie Hughes, Pres., Box 11, Group 4, RR 1, Anola R0E 0A0 (Beausejour) [email protected] 204-866-4822 204-268-2731 204-866-3217Mr. Raymond Bonk, Vice Pres., PO Box 236, Rapid City R0K 1W0 [email protected] 204-826-2539 204-826-2723 204-826-2411Mrs. Hope M. Toporowski, Sec.-Treas., PO Box 66, Fork River R0L 0V0 [email protected] 204-657-2362 204-657-2453 204-657-2337Ms. Charlotte Vennard, Dir., PO Box 303, Holland R0G 0X0 (Carberry) [email protected] 204-526-2412 204-834-3234 204-526-2412Mr. Jacques J. Trudeau, Dir., Box 760, Ile des Chênes R0A 0T0 [email protected] 204-878-9998 204-878-2036 204-878-9998Mrs. Janet Johnson, Dir., Box 307, Anola R0E 0A0 (East Selkirk) [email protected] 204-866-2436 204-482-1237 204-866-2436
SaskatchewanMrs. Sue A. Verhelst, Pres., PO Box 828, Radville S0C 2G0 (Milestone) [email protected] 306-869-2527 306-436-2225 306-869-2294Mrs. Janice Colliness, Vice Pres., PO Box 55, Kincaid S0H 2J0 (Glenbain) [email protected] 306-264-3869 306-264-3889 306-264-3868Mrs. Lori M. Kachmarski, Sec.-Treas., PO Box 88, Brock S0L 0H0 [email protected] 306-379-4302 306-379-2040 306-379-4302Mrs. Yolanda Hachkewich, Dir., PO Box 462, Punnichy S0A 3C0 [email protected] 306-746-9001 306-835-2517 306-746-5840Mrs. Shelly Krahenbil, Dir., P.O. Box 85, Lemberg S0A 2B0 [email protected] 306-335-9001 306-335-2214 306-335-9000Mrs. Sandy Racicot, Dir., PO Box 731, Battleford S0M 0E0 [email protected] 306-937-7557 306-937-3434 306-937-7557
Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut / Alberta, Territoires du Nord-Ouest et NunavutMrs. Denice A. Pharis, Pres., PO Box 439, Thorsby T0C 2P0 [email protected] 780-789-4131 780-789-3600 780-789-3132Mrs. Xan Moffatt-Toews, Vice Pres., PO BOX 2368, Fairview T0H 1L0 [email protected] 780-835-2157 780-835-2855 780-835-2147Mr. Gerry Henry, Sec.-Treas., General Delivery, Del Bonita T0K 0S0 (Warner) [email protected] 403-758-6329 403-642-3992 403-758-6497Mrs. Phyllis Tuttle, Dir., PO Box 657, Evansburg T0E 0T0 [email protected] 780-727-4587 780-727-4404 780-727-2056Mrs. Linden Wentzloff, Dir., 85 Grotto Way, Canmore T1W 1J8 [email protected] 403-678-2108 403-678-4377 403-678-2108 * *
British Columbia and Yukon / Colombie-Britannique et YukonMrs. Barbara J. Lincoln, Pres., 7519 Sechelt Inlet Road, Sechelt V0N 3A4 [email protected] 604-885-6075 604-885-2411 604-885-6006Mrs. Carolyn Elliott, Vice Pres., 3711 Bosun Way RR 2, Pender Island V0N 2M2 [email protected] 250-629-3134 250-629-3222 250-629-3133Mrs. Susan Argotoff, Sec.-Treas., 3955 Konkin Rd., Crescent Valley V0G 1H1 [email protected] 250-359-7544 250-359-7788 250-359-7523Mrs. Leslie O. Ainslie, Dir., 100-5460 Clements Cres., Peachland V0H 1X5 [email protected] 250-767-9008 250-767-2251 250-767-2979Mrs. Eva Heide, Dir., 9163 Mavis St., Chilliwack V2P 7H5 (Sardis) [email protected] 604-792-1478 604-858-6511 604-792-2031Ms. Renate Kviet, Dir., PO Box 38, Surge Narrows V0P 1W0 [email protected] 250-203-4703 250-203-4703
2013-02-20/cl * amendment / changement ** vacant position / poste vacant
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National President’s Message
By the time this message gets to you, we should be rolling in to the first day of spring. The winter has been too long, too cold and we have had too much snow. I believe that every winter I complain about this a little more and pray tell, do not tell me it is just my age! Regardless of how cold it has been, Canada Post still manages to keep us under fire. Hour cuts, Saturday
closures, new initiatives and the frustration of consultation, or lack thereof, have kept us all hopping for the past year, National office as well as the Branches. Canada Post is looking at every possible avenue to reduce labour and operating costs. Hour reductions have gone well past what is conceivably acceptable. Too many of our employees are getting too tired to deal with even the day to day issues. Health is suffering and unfortunately even the atmosphere in some of our busier Post Offices is deteriorating. Although we continue to meet with Canada Post to bring forth these concerns, it is all too often falling on deaf ears. Canada Post is continually developing new initiatives and implementing new technology into our Post Offices in an effort to reduce hours. Unfortunately, we have seen many instances when these so called improvements have often resulted in more work for our members, not less. As I mentioned earlier, help us to help you. I know it is a real nuisance, but we must continue to remind you not to work over your lunch hour, to remember to take your breaks, don’t take your work home with you and to be good to yourself. If you need extra hours, ask for them. Canada Post needs you too, but sometimes they forget that. We don’t! Your elected Branch Officers need your help in order to help you. If you are aware of any new initiatives coming forth, check with your union representative to make sure they have had consultation. Too often we only hear about these initiatives from our membership and have to approach Canada Post for consultation. Canada Post should automatically contact CPAA when they are entertaining any changes or new initiatives that impact our members, but they don’t always do that. We cannot question the Corporation’s actions if we don’t know what they are doing. Don’t forget this is Triennial year and the election of union representatives will take place at your Branch Convention, as well as the election of delegates for the National Triennial Convention which will be held in St. John’s, Newfoundland this October. Come out to your convention, there is much to learn, new friends to make and lots of fun. Don’t miss it!
Leslie A. Schous
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Resolutions by Daniel L. Maheux
Resolutions are formal and written proposals to amend the By‐laws of the Association. All resolutions from active members can be submitted to the National Secretary‐Treasurer at any time and up to thirty (30) days prior to the opening of the National Triennial Convention. Resolutions are first presented to the National Board of Directors of the Association for discussion and recommendation of concurrence or non‐concurrence. Whether or not they receive concurrence, resolutions are presented by the Chairperson of the By‐laws Committee at the National Triennial Convention by means of motions. At that stage, they are again debated, and voted upon. If passed, the proposed amendment becomes part of the Association’s By‐laws. All amendments to the By‐laws require a two‐thirds (2/3) majority vote to be approved. Once approved, the amendments are filed with Corporations Directorate of Industry Canada, and they come into effect.
Triennial Conventions 2013 by Daniel L. Maheux It is once again election year. Active Members of CPAA have a role to play; that of choosing, from within our ranks, the best team of representatives for the Branches and the National Office of your Union. New to this triennial year, under By‐law 10.45, Term employees have been given the right to vote to elect delegates to the triennial. We communicate with you on issues which affect your Association and will continue to affect us in the future. The challenges faced by Canada Post Corporation and how the management team of the Corporation decides to face those challenges are certain to be felt by CPAA members. In the face of adversity, we need a strong and united work force. You owe it to yourself to attend your convention. We once more call on your passion, your commitment and your desire to fight for another day. CPAA needs the best of the best from within our ranks. Put your name forward to be an officer or a delegate at the National Triennial Convention. Ask questions. Voice your opinions. Make a difference. Do your part to ensure CPAA is as good as we all deserve it to be. Check your Branch newsletter as well as the listing on the next page for the dates and places of your conventions.
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Branch Triennial Conventions
2013
The following list provides the location and dates of each Branch Triennial Convention for 2013.
For more information, consult your Branch Newsletter.
Newfoundland & Lab. Albatross Hotel
114 Trans-Canada Hwy Gander NL A1V 1W6 May 24, 25 & 26, 2013
Manitoba Ramada Viscount Gort Hotel
1670 Portage Ave Winnipeg MB R3J 0C9
May 3, 4 & 5, 2013
Maritime Rodd Royalty Hotel
14 Capital Drive Charlottetown PE C1A 8C2
May 24, 25 & 26, 2013
Saskatchewan Ramada Hotel and Convention Centre
1818 Victoria Ave Regina SK S4P 0R1
May 31, June 1 & 2, 2013
Quebec Plaza Hotel
3031 Laurier Blvd Quebec QC G1V 2M2 May 17, 18 & 19, 2013
Alberta, NT & NU Radisson Hotel
4444 Gateway Blvd NW Edmonton AB T6H 5C2
May 31, June 1 & 2, 2013
Ontario Sheraton on the Falls Hotel
5875 Falls Ave Niagara Falls ON L2G 3K7
May 3, 4 & 5, 2013
BC & Yukon Manteo Resort
3762 Lakeshore Road Kelowna BC V1W 3L4
May 3, 4 & 5, 2013
National Triennial Convention
Oct. 7, 8 & 9, 2013 Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland
115 Cavendish Square St. John’s NL A1C 3K2
Tel. 709-726-4980 Fax 709-726-2025
At this convention, members will receive an activity report from the CPAA National Board of Directors; they will discuss and decide on changes to be brought to the By-laws.
Members will also elect the National Executive Officers for the next three (3) years.
Notice
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Introduction of the New National Vice President
In 2003, Dwayne Jones’ career with Canada Post began as a Term employee in Redcliff, Alberta Post Office. Throughout the next seven (7) years he worked in the capacity of a Part‐time Assistant, Senior Assistant, as well as Postmaster. In 2010, he transferred into the Postmaster position of the Carstairs, Alberta Post Office.
In 2008, upon his appointment as Director of the Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut Branch, he found his passion serving CPAA members. With a vacancy on the Branch Board in 2009, his role changed from Director to Branch Vice President, and in 2010 he was elected as Branch President.
Another exciting step in his journey occurred when, in October of 2012, his role with CPAA changed through his appointment to National Vice President (English language). He looks forward to continuing to serve the CPAA members.
He currently resides in Ottawa with his wife Kimberly and three (3) children: MacKenzie, Kianna and Joshua Jones.
Reduction to Hours of Service
by Dwayne Jones
It has come to our attention that Canada Post is arbitrarily closing Saturday services in some CPAA offices. You need to contact your local Union Representative (www.cpaa‐acmpa.ca) if you have recently been instructed to close on a Saturday or know that, due to a staffing concern, you have an upcoming Saturday that is at risk.
On page 128 of the Collective Agreement we find, “…the Corporation will consult with CPAA locally if it desires to make changes to the Saturday hours of an office. Where the Corporation determines that it will continue to offer postal service in the office during the week, it will not reduce Saturday hours of service unless it first obtains the agreement of CPAA. Such agreement shall not be unreasonably withheld.”
Your contact with the local Union Representative is crucial in ensuring the process in the Collective Agreement is being adhered to.
Closing on Saturday would affect a change to the “schedule of service” of an office and would require the Corporation to give proper notice along with consultation that must take place prior to this proposed change. Clause 10.07 c) gives the requirement along with the timelines that would need to be followed. If the Corporation was looking to have this change of service permanent, then we may find ourselves looking at Article 12 of the Collective Agreement.
What you should do:
– Any Saturday closure, contact your Union.
– Anytime you have been given a directive to operate with a change to your “authorized allocated hours”, contact your Union.
If you need our assistance, please feel free to call us at anytime.
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POST OFFICE INSPECTION by Pierre Charbonneau By the time you receive this magazine; spring will have sprung or will soon be at our doors. Since this is the time of year where we turn down the heat, it is also the time to avoid sources of mold that could develop with the arrival of more humid temperatures. We all know too well that mold grows rapidly in a humid environment. Post offices basements are often forgotten as the area most exposed to mold growth. Water infiltration, dirt basement and shut off heaters are ideal elements along with the arrival of humid temperatures to potentially create significant risk to employees’ health. It goes without saying that employees with precarious health run the risk to be affected more rapidly. This is why we suggest the following:
thoroughly inspect the post office upon the arrival of spring and report to your manager and appropriate services any water infiltration inside the building that could affect employees’ health and could be a significant source of mold proliferation;
eliminate and repair all sources of water infiltration;
open windows and vaults when heaters are shut off in the basement to allow for better air circulation in the basement.
An easy way to determine that there is a significant problem:
When I left the house, I was in excellent health; As soon as I enter the office, my eyes burn, I have a runny nose, a headache, etc.; These symptoms disappear almost instantly when I leave the office; These sudden symptoms are a warning sign.
We care about our employees’ health and safety, and if with this reminder, we can improve the health of only one employee across the country, we will have the satisfaction of having accomplished our duty. ✁
Order the 2012 Financial Report from CPAA Our 2012 audited financial report is expected to be available in April. In order to receive a copy of this report, please complete the information below and return it to:
CPAA 281 Queen Mary
Ottawa ON K1K 1X1 (PLEASE PRINT)
Name
Address
City – Province – Postal Code
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In Memoriam From November 1st, 2012 to February 28th, 2013
Mrs. Roberta Schafer
Abbey, Sask. Mrs. Brenda Regier
Coaldale, Alb. Mr. Jeffrey KirkErickson, Man.
Mrs. Wendy Rosby Sorrento, B.C.
Mrs. Marsha Smith Stony Beach, Sask.
Our most sincere condolences to their family and friends.
Doris Grieves
by Leslie A. Schous It is with great sorrow that I identify the passing of Doris Grieves, formerly of the Saskatchewan Branch of CPAA. Doris passed away on January 9th, 2013 in Vancouver, B.C. Doris worked for Canada Post for many years and her last position was that of Postmaster at Whitefox, Sask. Upon her retirement in 1999, Doris and her husband Herman moved to Nanaimo, B.C. Doris also worked tirelessly on behalf of the members of the Saskatchewan Branch of CPAA. She was elected as a Director in 1985 and served as Vice President of the Branch from 1991 to 1995. I had the immense pleasure, and privilege, of not only calling Doris a colleague, but also a wonderful friend. When we worked together in Saskatchewan on behalf of CPAA, Doris was always readily available, no matter the time or day, to attend consultations with Canada Post and to represent our members. Doris had a unique ability when it came to assisting our members. They often shared very personal information with her, allowing us to better understand the difficulties they were facing. This gift was greatly appreciated by many and certainly respected by Canada Post. Our heartfelt condolences are extended to Doris’ family, her many friends and all those in CPAA who had the good fortune to know this great lady.
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Madora Woron
by Pat Doede, past Director of the Ontario Branch
January 16, 1931 to January 22, 2013
The feisty old gal passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 22, 2013 after a very short illness. Madora was a great CPAA advocate, even before she served on the Ontario Branch Board. When all the travelling in the late 1980s and early 1990s went on, she was with those caravans front and center working tirelessly to save Rural Post Offices.
Madora served on the Ontario Branch Board for only a short time before the Corporation gave her a ‘’buyout’’ and closed the Vineland Post Office and moved everything to Jordan Station. There was no one more CPAA driven than Madora.
When she finally retired, her summers were spent in beloved Nova Scotia, eating as much lobster as she could. During the winter months, Madora enjoyed spending her time equally at either the casino or the bingo hall. Madora was a firecracker, and was always ready to support and encourage her friends and community, but also always had the best interests of her fellow CPAA members at heart. We will all miss her for so many varied reasons. Rest in peace, Madora!
JEFF KIRK
by Julie Hughes, President of the Manitoba Branch
March 18, 1961 to December 3, 2012
It is with sadness that we inform you that on December 3, 2012, Jeff Kirk passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. At the time of his passing, he was only 51 years of age and was the Postmaster at Erickson, Manitoba.
Jeff was very dedicated to CPAA and served on the Manitoba Branch Board as Secretary‐Treasurer for several years. He took great pride in his accounting and secretarial duties. Fellow members in his vicinity would call on him for advice when rights and benefits needed interpretation. He continued to assist members even after he was no longer on the Board.
We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and to all of our CPAA family.
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What kind of grievance should I file? Is it an individual grievance, a group or a policy grievance?
by Sean McGee, Lawyer, Nelligan O’Brien Payne One of the hallmarks of a unionized workplace is that members can ask their union to have a third party settle disputes. This is possible, normally, while work and employment continues, and while waiting for a decision from an arbitrator about who is right and who is wrong in the dispute. The process starts with a grievance. The CPAA Collective Agreement is clear on what can be grieved: it is when a member or the Association believes the Collective Agreement has been violated, or where the Corporation is acting unreasonably in collecting a debt. The Collective Agreement also describes three (3) kinds of grievances. The first, an individual grievance, is easy to understand. That’s a situation where the Corporation has acted in a way that violates the agreement and a single member is affected. These grievances must be signed by the individual and by a CPAA representative, and then filed within strict time limits. For this reason, it is important for any member who believes there may have been a violation to contact someone on the Branch Board at the earliest opportunity. Not surprisingly, a group grievance is the same as an individual grievance, but the Corporation’s actions have affected more than one person. Policy Grievances are different. They are filed when the Corporation makes a decision to behave in a certain way toward everyone in the bargaining unit (or at least a certain group of employees), when certain things happen. The Association files a grievance saying the employer has adopted a policy or decided to act in a certain way, in certain circumstances, and that the new policy or plan of action violates the Collective Agreement. Because the Association can challenge the way the Corporation has announced it will act, it can file a grievance even before a single member is affected by the new policy. A good example of a policy grievance is one filed and resolved, some time ago, about the interpretation of statutory holiday pay for part‐time employees. The Association disagreed with the way the Corporation interpreted the rules for this kind of pay, and filed a grievance. It would have done so, even if the interpretation had not yet been put into effect during a single holiday. This kind of grievance allows the parties to try to settle their differences without the cost or hardship involved in an individual violation of the agreement. In fact, the parties were able to resolve their differences in that case. This is different than alleging that the employer has contravened one of its policies. That may or may not give an employee or the Association the right to file a grievance, but if it did, it could be an individual, a group or a policy grievance, depending on the circumstances.
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SHORT TERM DISABILITY PROGRAM
by Brenda McAuley and Louise Ade, DSR Committee With the implementation of the STDP, it is more important than ever that you manage your sick leave. We recommend that you keep a file at home and make sure, in that file, you have a copy of the “Reference Guide”. Please read this guide; it contains valuable information to help you understand this program and manage your sick leave. Also, in your file, you should have a copy of all the forms you will need such as; the employee’s statement, the physician’s statement, etc. Being organized will help reduce some of the stress that is involved when you are not feeling well. There has been quite a learning curve with this new system. No longer are the days when you could go to the doctor and he would provide you with a note stating “not able to work at this time,” and this would be good enough for the Corporation. The doctor is no longer the “Gate Keeper”, he must provide supporting medical evidence to justify his medical opinion. And if you have had a Functional Abilities Form done and the Corporation is offering you work within your abilities, then you are obligated to cooperate in a return to work plan. Make sure CPAA is included in any Return to Work (RTW) meeting. Depending on the scenario, we don’t always need to be there. However, if it is after being off for a lengthy period and accommodations need to be put in place before you return, it is good that we are part of this to ensure your rights are being upheld. It is very important that if you are in acting or replacement assignment over 20 consecutive shifts and you know that you will be in that assignment in its entirety, on the 21st day, call the LAS responsible for your office to advise them to input your assignment into the SAP, as soon as possible. This will affect your balances. For example, a term employee with continuous employment who has a known assignment of six (6) months or more and 40 or more hours scheduled per month will be eligible under the STDP. If you are working the hours and not put in the assignment, then if you get sick after six (6) months you will not be eligible for sick time under the STDP. You will be treated as if you had not been put in that replacement assignment. However, term employees with 40 or more hours scheduled per month will be eligible for personal days. They don’t have to wait the six (6) month period to be eligible for personal days. There are two (2) types of illnesses: 1. Accident/hospitalization – no waiting period and the definition is: “The admittance to either a
Hospital or a Private Health Care Clinic as an in‐patient or out‐patient for medically necessary procedures, or treatment.”
2. After illness, a 7‐day waiting period applies – this is when you can use your personal days. At our last National Joint Committee on Disability Support and Safe Early Return to Work meeting, we were able to identify the problems we were having with the Physician’s Statement. In the old form it just states “hospitalization: yes or no”. So, if the Physician stated “no” and you did
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fall under the definition of hospitalization, it might happen that you would automatically be defaulted to the second category and have a 7‐day waiting period. The Physician’s statement form has been modified to make it clearer that you were treated as an out‐patient for a medically necessary procedure.
Additionally, CPAA is proposing to change the administration of the waiting period for employees who are claiming STDP due to an accident. Under this change, the waiting period would be limited to the time period in which it took the employee to seek medical attention, up to a maximum of seven (7) calendar days. Specifically, if medical attention is sought within 24 hours and other conditions regarding definition of accident are met, there will not be a waiting period. If medical attention is sought on Day 2 of the claim, the waiting period would be limited to the first day and the STDP income replacement would begin effective Day 2. STDP First Level Appeal The Intent to Appeal form will be sent to our members in the case where their STDP claim has been non‐supported and will be proceeding to the first level of appeal. The form gives the member the option to:
• elect to appeal at the first level • elect for union representation
Should the member request union representation, they need to input the contact information of the local representative that they wish to be represented by during this first level of appeal. The representative that is indicated on this form will be sent a copy of their STDP file and will then assist that member in their first level of appeal. Unlike the Final Appeal – Intent to Appeal form, this form does not have the National Representative noted. The thought process behind this is that only those cases going to Final Appeal, where CPAA has a significant role to play (choosing the Independent Occupational Health Specialist (IOHS) and financing half the cost of the review), need to be sent directly to the National Office. First level appeals are typically handled locally. Short Term Disability Program – Final Appeals For the second level and final appeal, the member will receive notification from the assigned Case Manager from Great‐West Life/Morneau Shepell (GWL/MS), verbally and in writing, that their claim has not been supported. Along with the written response is a form to be completed if they wish to proceed with a final appeal and the authorization form for union representation. The member has ten (10) working days to advise the Case Manager, in writing, of their intent to appeal. Once authorized, all information regarding the claim is sent to the CPAA National Office. All information regarding the appeal will be sent, through the National Office, to the union representative identified by the Branch President. The member has thirty (30) days from the date of the letter of non‐support to provide additional medical information and submit directly to GWL/MS. The IOHS is chosen by the National Office as the specialist who has the final binding decision on the claim. Please refer to Appendix “O” of the Collective Agreement between CPC and CPAA for further information.
14
Supplemental Allowance by Leslie A. Schous In the last round of negotiations, CPAA was able to obtain financial assistance for our Group Postmasters under the provisions of Supplemental Allowance. The Supplemental Allowance can be used to offset the costs of commercial insurance and the provision of telephones in our Group Post Offices. There is a pool of $420,000, and this amount is divided among the qualifying applicants. It is essential that Canada Post receives your declaration as per the time lines of the Collective Agreement in order to ensure the payment is dispersed proportionately and timely. In order to be eligible for this allowance, there are two (2) points indicated in the Collective Agreement at page 136 that need to be considered:
1. “Postmasters in non‐Corporate owned and non‐Corporate leased premises whose premises are either stand‐alone (not attached to another building) or in residential premises and who have provided commercial (or equivalent) insurance may submit a claim for reimbursement.”
2. “Postmasters in all non‐corporate owned and non‐Corporate leased premises who are
required to use a telephone line that is not provided by Canada Post, or for which the Postmaster does not receive reimbursement from Canada Post, may request a reimbursement payment for the expense of using another telephone for Canada Post business.”
In order to receive this allowance, a simple declaration form must be returned to Canada Post. No receipts are required. Last year, Canada Post mailed out the declarations in April. Please be on the lookout for these coming to you in the mail. You can also access the declaration on the CPAA Web site. This is the third year for this allowance. Although the Corporation has been relatively lenient with late arrivals of the declaration, we cannot continue to rely on that period of grace. This untimeliness also results in delays for the payment to be sent out. In order to ensure you receive proper compensation, as per these provisions of the Collective Agreement, please ensure that:
• The claim is received by Canada Post by June 30 of each year for the previous year;
• The document is completed properly and all the required information has been supplied. If essential information is missing, you may be disqualified from receiving this allowance.
15
Labour Relations by Daniel L. Maheux
In the December 2012 Canadian Postmasters magazine, we reported to the members on the status of Labour Relations with an emphasis on grievances and arbitrations. In this report, we touch more specifically on some of the issues your National Officers worked on and in some cases continue to work, on behalf of the membership.
In 2012, and early 2013, seven (7) National grievances were resolved by Memorandum of Agreement. These were as follow:
NA‐04‐004 – the Health Care Premium grievance NA‐05‐002 – the Point of Call Identifier grievance NA‐10‐002 – the Attendance Management Guide grievance NA‐11‐001 – the Hour Reduction grievance NA‐11‐002 – the Sick Leave Recognition Payment grievance NA‐11‐003 – the Staffing grievance NA‐12‐002 – the Arbitration Delay grievance
As of writing this article, there are two (2) outstanding National grievances: NA‐04‐005 – the Pension for Terms grievance (settlement is awaiting government approval) NA‐12‐001 – the Minimum Hours of Work for Group Post Offices grievance (arbitration took place on
March 6 to 8, 2013) Aside from scheduling several grievances for formal arbitration in 2012 and going forward in 2013, the Association agreed, wherever possible, to use the Expedited Arbitration process. As per Clause 7.27 of the Collective Agreement, Expedited Arbitrations do not involve legal counsel for either parties and as such, they are less costly and faster than the formal process. Only cases that are non‐precedent setting will be handled through the Expedited process. In addition, on October 4, 2012, the Association’s legal counsel received confirmation that our request to have our Pay Equity complaint reopened was being put in front of the Canadian Human Rights Commission. We await further reply from the Commission on this excruciatingly slow process. We continue our discussions with the Labour Relations folks at Canada Post Corporation in an attempt to resolve as many issues as possible before grievances need to be filed. It doesn’t always pay off but in the main, it is a productive endeavour. Going forward and keeping in mind the challenges faced by the Corporation, our members will more than ever need to educate themselves about their entitlements. Under Clauses 3.03 and 3.04, the Corporation is obligated to provide all employees with a copy of the Collective Agreement. What this means is that whether you are a Postmaster or a Term employee, you have a responsibility to know and understand the contract signed between Canada Post and your union. In the courts of law, it is often said that ignorance of the law is not an excuse. The same applies with your rights and benefits under the Collective Agreement.
16
ELECTIONS – SAFETY AND HEALTH REPRESENTATIVE
by Pierre Charbonneau
In March of 2009, a memorandum of agreement was signed between CUPW and CPAA in order to establish a framework to apply the regulations of the Canada Labour Code ‐ Part II, regarding the election of Safety and Health Representatives because we have more than one Bargaining Unit in our offices. In some of Canada Post rural offices, there are:
• only employees that are CPAA members; • employees that are CPAA and CUPW members.
The Canada Labour Code ‐ Part II states that “The term of office of a safety and health representative shall be not more than two years.” and “A person may be selected as a safety and health representative for more than one term.”
More information can be obtained from the Web site below:
http://laws‐lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR‐86‐305/
The 2013 elections will take place only in offices where it is required as follow:
• In offices that have CPAA members only; where more than one employee has expressed his intent to apply for the Safety and Health Representative position.
• In offices that have CPAA and CUPW members; a member from each bargaining unit
who will have expressed his intent to apply for the Safety and Health Representative position.
We still believe that Postmasters should be the Safety and Health Representatives, but under certain circumstances, this is not possible. Since 2013 is an election year, we will work in collaboration with the bargaining unit of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) for the election process in the offices that will have indicated, before April 15th, 2013, that another individual is interested in applying for the Safety and Health Representative position. To indicate your interest, please send your letter to:
Pierre Charbonneau
National Vice President, CPAA 281 Queen Mary
Ottawa ON K1K 1X1
17
Change of Address Process
by Leslie A. Schous
To ensure that CPAA has your correct address, there are two (2) things you must do:
1. ADVISE CANADA POST: • You can update your address information through the Employee Self Service (ESS)
OR
• Contact AccessHR: • E‐mail: [email protected]
• Phone: 1‐877‐807‐9090 between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET
• Fax: 613‐734‐6347
2. Advise CPAA: (for information purposes only)
• E‐mail: mail@cpaa‐acmpa.ca
• Phone: 613‐745‐2095
• Fax: 613‐745‐5559 It is imperative that you notify Canada Post first. Our membership file is based on the Corporation’s data base. If you have not advised CPC of your change of address then your new address will not show up in our system.
PICTURES! PICTURES! PICTURES! We would like to put together a photo album with a picture of all of our Post Offices across Canada. If you have a photo, would you please send one to us as we would like this album to be as complete as possible? Thank you.
Group Life Insurance Plan
A S Life Insurance Benefit1. Commencing August 1, 2005, all active members of the
Association are insured for $10,000 Group Life Insurance inaccordance with the terms of Group Policy No. 158073,issued to the Association by The Great-West Life AssuranceCompany.
2. The above amount is subject to a periodical review.3. Such insurance will continue in force as long as the employee
is an active member of the Association.4. Such insurance will continue for as long as this policy is in
force.5. Such insurance will automatically terminate at the end of the
month in which the member celebrates his/her 70th birthday.6. New members are insured from the date on which active
membership to the Association begins.B S Total Disability Benefit1. This policy provides group insurance during continuous total
disability as long as the following conditions apply:a) you have been totally disabled for 6 months or more, prior
to your 65th birthday;b) the disability is such that you are unable to perform any
work of any kind;c) you remain an active member of the Association.
2. The coverage does not extend beyond your 65th birthday.3. If you cease to be a member while you are on disability and
before your 65th birthday, you must consider the conversionoutlined in item C below.
4. You applied for waiver of premium benefits within the contractprovisions.
C S Conversion Privilege1. This insurance can be converted into certain types of indi-
vidual life insurance plans, then issued by Great-West LifeAssurance Company.
2. To convert this policy, the following conditions must be ineffect:a) your active membership to the Association must terminate
on or before your 65th birthday;b) your application for conversion must be received by
Great-West Life within 31 days of termination of youractive membership.
3. Presently, the maximum coverage available is $10,000.4. Conversion is available regardless of your health.5. The privilege does not extend beyond 31 days following your
65th birthday, even though you may continue to work beyondthat date.
D S Beneficiary1. A form is provided below to enable you to register a benefi-
ciary in the event of your death.2. You may change your designated beneficiary any time.3. If no beneficiary is named, the insurance proceeds will be
paid through the administrator, executor, or assign(s) of yourestate upon your death.
4. If designating a beneficiary who is a minor or who lackslegal capacity, please check box below, (in beneficiaryform) and a Trustee Appointment form will be sent to youfor completion.
Certificate of Insurance1. The Great-West Life, certifies that the holder of this policy is
insured for the sum of $10,000, in accordance with the termsof Group Policy No. 158073:a) as long as he/she is an active member of the Canadian
Postmaster and Assistants Association; andb) as long as he/she is under age 70.
2. The insurance is payable on death from any cause to thebeneficiary last registered in writing with Great-West Life.
3. If no beneficiary is registered with Great-West Life, theinsurance is payable to the deceased's administrator,executor or assign(s).
4. The policy includes a Total Disability Benefit and aConversion Privilege.
5. The certificate and the descriptive literature above areprovided for information purposes only.
6. If any conflicts arise between the above and the terms ofGroup Policy No. 158073, the terms of the latter shall govern.
Should you need any additional information about yourGroup Life Insurance Plan, please contact:
Pierre A. Jeaurond, Administrator CPAA Group Life Insurance Plan
PO Box 460072339 Ogilvie Road
Ottawa ON K1J 9M7
613-798-2424 [email protected]
2013/01Retain the above for your records.
Forward this portion to Pierre Jeaurond to the address mentioned above.Beneficiary Designation Form (PLEASE PRINT)
Important notice regarding Group Life Insurance Plan • Before completing this form, you must have signed an Association Member's File. • This form should only be completed once, unless you wish to amend it. (ex. change in beneficiary or name change) • When this form is completed by a member, he/she must have their signature witnessed by someone other than the named beneficiary.
• Minor beneficiary: YES G NO G • Language preference: English G French G Home phone #: (____)____________
I, ____________________________________________________________________________________ living in the Province of _______________________ Member's full name Office Name and insured under Group Policy No. 158073 declare that all proceeds payable under this policy at my death be paid to
______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Beneficiary's full name Relationship of Beneficiary to Member
Dated at _________________________________________________ this _____________ day of _____________________________________ 20__________ City, Province
______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Signature of Witness Signature of Member
