With news that the CUPW has given 72 hour notice before their 60 day mandate to do so expired, the Surrey Board of Trade is monitoring the situation closely.
“We have notified our members that we will continue our communications with them electronically,” said CEO Anita Huberman. “Invoices, event registrations – all will be handled through email or phone.”
However, she added, “We are concerned for quite a few of our members who rely on the postal service for their daily operations. From invoicing to small import/exporters, we have members who have packages arriving daily or send daily – whether it is machine parts or specialized medical equipment, their operations will be impacted if job action does take place on Monday the 29th,” said Huberman.
The Surrey Board of Trade is grateful that Labour Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk has appointed a mediator to help minimize work disruptions. Disruptions could be a minimal as work-to-rule, to rotating day strikes, to a full walk-out. “We hope for the best,” said Huberman. “Too many of Surrey’s businesses would be hurt otherwise.”
Canada Post refused CUPW request to extend the mandate beyond the 60 days to allow negotiations to continue, thereby triggering the 72 hour notice.
Key issues under dispute include:
- Rural (predominantly female) workers paid less than Urban (predominately male) workers – pay equity is sought by the union (http://www.cupw.ca/)
- Canada Post wants new employees to have a defined contribution plan (pay-out based on pension investment performance) while CUPW fights for all employees to be covered by the current defined benefit plan (payouts are set amounts)
Canada Post has posted small profits this year, a combined $45 million, due to strong parcel results. Also announced today is that the increase in the pension solvency deficit, estimated at $8.1 as of July 1, 2016, up from $6.1 billion at end of 2015.
Parcel delivery for small to medium sized businesses in Surrey is a critical part of their daily operation. “We have no intention to take sides but we do ask that some sort of resolution can be found expediently before any action impedes our members ability to do business,” said Huberman.
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For more information, contact Anita Huberman, CEO, Surrey Board of Trade 604.340.3899
