Collective Agreement
Exp.: 2009-12-31

in English: Collective Agreement (pdf)

in French: Convention collective (pdf)

You will have all watched with horror the images of the devastation caused by Tuesday's earthquake in Haiti. Emergency relief to aid the victims is essential and I know the Canadian labour movement will respond with the same generosity and solidarity as in previous disasters of this type. As in the past. the CLC will coordinate labour's response to the disaster.

International relief efforts are now underway through a number of well-established organizations including the Canadian Red Cross, Oxfam-Canada, Doctors Without Borders and others.

The federal government has committed to matching donations made by individual Canadians to eligible registered Canadian charitable organizations who are earmarking donations to respond to the Haitian earthquake. for the period between January 12 to February 12, 2010.

The Canadian Labour Congress is working with the Canadian Red Cross (one of the approved organizations) to set up a special donation portal on the Red Cross web site. where individual union members can contribute if they wish and receive tax receipts. This would help maximize the individual contributions that qualify for matching federal funds. This will also help us to track the amounts that union members are contributing. We will provide you with further information as this component is finalized shortly, so you can communicate this to your members.

We would request that organizational donations be channelled through the CLC also for tracking purposes. An appropriate portion of the funds received would be distributed to disaster relief provided to affected Haitian unions through the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas (TUCA) as well as to the Oxfam coalition of agencies and the Canadian Red Cross. The CLC will ensure that you receive timely and appropriate reports on the disbursement of these funds.

In solidarity.

Internal EAP web site

CPAA received an invitation from Dr. Ted Harvey, {(Senior Consultant, SPR Associate) for the HR Council} a national survey assessing interest in mid- to late career transitions from the public sector or private sector or retirement, to paid employment in the non-profit sector. Attached is a copy of this invitation and as a member of CPAA, you are welcome to participate in this survey should you wish to do so.

You are invited to complete this survey if you are potentially interested in a late-career change or post-retirement paid employment.  Completing this survey will be of interest to you and will also assist the non-profit sector.

To provide valuable information to Canadian workers and retirees, the HR Council for the Voluntary and Non-profit Sector, a national non-profit organization, is conducting a survey of public and private sector Canadian workers, aged 45+, and retired persons to assess their potential interest in transitioning to full-time or part-time paid employment in the non-profit sector, either in late-career or post-retirement years.

We are interested in obtaining your views on these matters.  This survey is strictly voluntary, confidential and anonymous and Sshould not take more than 10-15 minutes to complete.

The survey reflects the non-profit sector’s interest in union members who can bring experience from other sectors to late-career or post-retirement paid work in the non-profit sector.  This survey also reflects recent research showing that transitioning to the non-profit sector is highly desirable for individuals who wish to find a new job which combines income with personal meaning and social impact.  This survey is one of many studies underway in Canada today aimed at enhancing the match of labour force skills to jobs in all sectors.

The non-profit sector includes thousands of national, provincial and community based organizations and charities across Canada such as the Canadian Cancer Society, the United Way, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Clubs, Oxfam Canada, Habitat for Humanity, YM/YWCA, and the David Suzuki Foundation.  For purposes of this survey, the public sector includes publicly-funded, not-for-profit bodies such as hospitals, universities, schools, etc.

This completely confidential study will be of interest to workers aged 45+ who are not currently working in the non-profit sector.  Full confidentiality is guaranteed by SPR Associates who have been contracted by the HR Council to collect the survey data.  (If you have any questions about the survey or if you would like more information about SPR's 25 year+ track record of guarding confidentiality, feel free to call me, toll-free, at 1-800-363-0832, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET.)  The final study report will contain findings in aggregate form only – no individual information will be revealed.  In addition, no personal identification is requested in the survey, therefore, no answers can be traced back to individuals.

The survey asks about your perceptions of the non-profit sector, awareness of jobs and careers in the sector, and factors that would influence a decision to work in the sector.  A summary of the study findings will be made available to all survey participants in late 2009 and additional information on the non-profit sector is provided at the end of the survey.

Please click on the web-link below to complete the survey:
https://www.surveycentral.ca/npvs/survey.htm
Thank you for your participation.

Please feel free to forward this invitation on to others.

Dr. Ted Harvey
Project Director, for the HR Council

On Friday, October 2, a meeting was held between representatives from CPAA, Leslie A. Schous National President and Sue Verhelst, Director of Saskatchewan Branch and Christopher Hilton, Senior Advisor to Minister Merrifield.

The meeting was held to discuss the impact of the CPC Strategic Review and the CPC Service Charter on rural Post Offices.

Mr. Hilton assured CPAA that the Government does do not intend to close rural Post Offices, that the Government supports the federally operated Post Offices, and that the Service Charter should bring comfort to rural Canadians, not fear.

Mr Hilton went on to identify that the CPC Service Charter ensures that CPC is meeting their mandate to provide postal services to all Canadians.

A further meeting with Minister Merrifield has been set up for October 27. Representatives from the National Office will be meeting with Minister Rob Merrifield at that time.

CAMPAIGN TO RATIFY ALL ILO CORE CONVENTIONS

more...

more...

About the Swine Flu:

You have heard about the Swine Flu on the news.
According to the Public Health Agency, the cases reported in Canada and in the US were milder than those in Mexico.
All of the people reported to be affected so far in Canada and the US have recovered.

This flu has the following symptoms:

Fever
Fatigue
Lack of appetite
Coughing
Sore throat

If you develop these symptoms, do not come to work. Stay home and call your family doctor.

If you have recently been to Mexico, or have been around people who have been to Mexico and have the flu, and you get flu-like symptoms please contact your family doctor.

Wash your hands often and thoroughly and take other precautions to stop the spread of this and any other flu.

This is the best way to stop the spread of flu.
Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes with your hands.
The Public Health Agency says surgical masks are not recommended, as there is evidence they are not effective in preventing transmission of influenza in the general public.

Please follow this link to read an excellent letter signed by several key academics, against the Public Service Equitable Compensation Act.

Additional information:

FTQ - Press Release
FTQ - Summary

The National Day of Mourning is in rememberance of workers killed or injured in the workplace, or who have suffered from work related illnesses.
Help us make our workplaces safe!

more...

New rates for certain statutory deductions take effect at the beginning of the new year. We want to be sure all full-time and part-time employees are well informed about how these deduction changes will affect the amount of their current paycheque for Pay Period 1 (pay date of January 8, 2009).

Employment Insurance (EI) will remain the same at 1.73% of insurable earnings for all employees except employees working in Quebec. Please note the amount of insurable earnings has increased to $42,300 from $41,100.

Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (PPIP) - For employees working in Quebec, regardless of their province of residence, the federal EI rate will decrease to 1.38% from 1.39% of insurable earnings. The provincial rate will increase to 0.484% from 0.45% of insurable earnings. Please note the provincial insurable earnings have increased to $62,000 from $60,500.

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) will remain the same at 4.95% of pensionable earnings, however the maximum threshold has now increased to $46,300 from $44,900.

Canada Post Pension Plan - The percentage will decrease to 5.70% from 5.77% of pensionable earnings up to the Yearly Maximum Pensionable Earnings (YMPE) of $46,300. For employees earning more than $46,300, the percentage will decrease to 9.20% (from 9.27% in 2008).

Part-time employees are paid two weeks in arrears, and will therefore only see the Canada Post Pension Plan changes in Pay Period 2. Pay Period 1 for those employees will cover the period from December 14 to 27.

If you have any questions regarding your pay statement, we encourage you to contact the Pay Contact Centre at 1 866 920-0459 or by e-mail at: paycontactcentre@canadapost.ca.

Since Christmas Day is falling on a Thursday this year, employee paycheques will be deposited on Wednesday, December 24, one day earlier than normal.

Unfortunately, certain employees may not receive their pay statements by Wednesday, a situation attributable to several factors, including the shorter payroll processing schedule and back-to-back statutory holidays.

We apologize for any inconvenience this situation may cause.

Online statements received through epost are not affected by this delay. For more information about how to sign up to receive your statements, bills and other financial documents through epost, go to www.epost.ca.

Members of the Canada Post Corporation Registered Pension Plan ("the Plan") should be reassured that despite recent financial market volatility, your pension benefit is not affected. The Plan is a "defined benefit" pension plan, meaning that the pension benefit formula is based on a member's pensionable earnings and pensionable service rather than the Plan's rate of investment return. Your pension benefit is secure.

"Although stock markets in Canada and around the world have recently experienced significant volatility, large declines are typically a part of the normal business cycle. These declines have happened many times in the past and will no doubt continue to occur in the future. Although we cannot predict when market conditions will improve, members should know that the Plan's investment managers have significant experience managing investment portfolios in difficult times", said Douglas Greaves, Vice President Pension Fund and Chief Investment Officer.

Current market conditions will clearly have an impact, but the Plan operates with a long-term view and it is not unusual to have financial shortfalls in some years and surpluses in others. As a large institutional investor, the Plan has diversified its investment holdings into many asset classes and in many markets around the world. This diversification will help reduce the impact of financial market volatility.

Moya Greene, President and CEO of Canada Post commented that, "the financial risk in providing a defined benefit pension plan is borne by Canada Post. However, in these uncertain economic conditions, our ability to remain competitive so as to generate the needed earnings and cash to support the Plan is imperative."

In this regard, the Canada Post Corporation Board of Directors (the "Board") has authorized the Corporation to resume making employer current service contributions to the Plan effective November 1, 2008.

The Board and management team is committed to making sure your pension benefit will be there for you when you need it.

As many of you will have heard, Canada Post has finally heard and listened. Telephone lines will be installed in all offices, including Group Post Offices.

This initiative is complimentary to the installation of the new Retail Point of Service system (RPS). More details will be communicated to all impacted Postmasters in the coming weeks but we can already tell you that Canada Post will pay $250.00 toward the installation of a business telephone line as well as $80.00 per month to cover the telephone expense.

These amounts were established by surveying telephone companies across Canada. Canada Post told your National CPAA representatives that the highest quote was $240.00 and $10.00 was added to that amount.

Many Postmasters will have received their $250.00 cheques by now so that they do not have to install the telephone at their own cost.

CPAA offices can now start planning on joining the remainder of the Corporation in the 21st century business world.

The Canadian Postmasters and Assistants Association filed a National grievance against the Corporation requesting that the Manulife Acquisition of Medical Information form be immediately withdrawn from usage. The CPAA feels strongly that this form, as currently in use, violates our members' right to privacy. If you are asked to sign this form, contact one of your local CPAA representative immediately before doing so.

This is a reminder to all Group Postmasters who are providing the post office premises.

It is your responsibility to ensure that a Building Liability Insurance policy is in place and in good standing to protect you from any/all possible claims from a third party (post office customers, passerby, etc).

The Canadian Postmasters and Assistants Association does carry a member's liability insurance policy. This policy provides limited coverage for claims filed against the CPAA members. It does not include coverage for claims arising from the building, sidewalk, parking lot, etc.

Should you encounter difficulties in securing adequate insurance coverage for your premises, get in touch with the National Office. Our Insurance Broker will refer your inquiry to one of their field offices in an effort to find suitable insurance coverage.

The following standards shall be observed in allowing you time off with pay to vote (including proxy voting) during the hours the polls are open.

In an attempt to assist members who may want to consider getting involved with the affairs of their local CPAA Branch, National developed a handbook outlining the typical duties of a Branch Secretary-Treasurer. Please note that duties may vary somewhat from one Branch to another. This handbook is only meant to give a high level overview of the position. For more information, please contact the executive officers of your Branch.

Duty to Accommodate Fact Sheet (PDF)

Harrassment: What is it and What to do about it (PDF)

Regional Offices

As most of you will have heard by now, on April 21, 2008, the Federal Government, under the auspices of Minister Lawrence Cannon, has put in place an Advisory Panel to conduct a Strategic Review of Canada Post Corporation. The Federal Government has mandated four key principles to guide this review. They are:

– Canada Post will not be privatized and will remain a Crown Corporation;
– Canada Post must maintain a universal, effective and economically viable postal service;
– Canada Post is to continue to act as an instrument of public policy through the provision of postal services to Canadians;
– Canada Post is to continue to operate in a commercial environment and is expected to attain a reasonable rate of return on equity.

The Advisory Panel review will focus mainly on the following four lines of inquiry:

– How have changes in technology, competition and customer demographics shaped the postal market?
– What has been the evolution of the markets for lettermail, parcels, advertising mail and international mail?
– What are the emerging needs of postal service customers?
– What can be learned from these same developments in the postal services markets in other counties?

The Advisory Panel has committed to meeting with the various stakeholders, which have a vested interest in their work. Our brothers and sisters of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers have already had their meeting and the Advisory Panel. The National officers of the Canadian Postmasters and Assistant Association met with the Advisory Panel on June 16, 2008.

We note that the Chair of the Advisory Panel, Dr. Robert M. Campbell, authored a book titled: Modernizing Postal Systems in the Electronic and Global World. In Dr. Campbell's biography, we read with interest that he served as a consultant on a study on the future of the American postal system, prepared for Pitney Bowes. For more on this, we refer you to the fifth paragraph of the article on Bill C-44, published in the last issue of The Canadian Postmasters' magazine. The final report of the Advisory Panel should be available in December 2008.

Website : www.cpcstrategicreview.gc.ca

Written Submissions : mailto:info@cpcsr-esscp.gc.ca

A new feature has been added to the CPAA web site. Under the heading of Health and Well Being, you will find the link to the Shepell fgi website. Shepell fgi is the company Canada Post Corporation contracted to provide the Employee Assistance Program and a multitude of services to employees who may be experiencing difficulties of one sort or another. Bear in mind that their services are provided in full confidentiality and no information about you seeking help will ever be relayed to the employer. We invite you to visit the Shepell fgi website and find out for yourself and your family, the types of service which are available free of charge.

Click here

On October 29, 2007, the federal government introduced Bill C-44 to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act. Bill C-44 excludes international letters from the current exclusive privilege to deliver letters. Click to print

On that day, in 1989, fourteen young women fell victim to the senseless acts of a deranged killer. On that day, we must also remember all women who are murdered or experience violence at the hands of their partners, family members and strangers throughout this country and our world. On that day, we must also renew our commitment to taking action to end all forms of violence against women in our society. We must continue our struggle to ensure that all women in Canada have true participation and economic and social equality in our society.

Please take note that the new Collective Agreement is now available here on our website.

New rates for certain statutory deductions take effect at the beginning of the new year. We want to be sure all full-time and part-time employees are well informed about how these deduction changes will affect the amount of their current paycheque for Pay Period 1 (pay date of January 8, 2009).

Employment Insurance (EI) will remain the same at 1.73% of insurable earnings for all employees except employees working in Quebec. Please note the amount of insurable earnings has increased to $42,300 from $41,100.

Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (PPIP) - For employees working in Quebec, regardless of their province of residence, the federal EI rate will decrease to 1.38% from 1.39% of insurable earnings. The provincial rate will increase to 0.484% from 0.45% of insurable earnings. Please note the provincial insurable earnings have increased to $62,000 from $60,500.

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) will remain the same at 4.95% of pensionable earnings, however the maximum threshold has now increased to $46,300 from $44,900.

Canada Post Pension Plan - The percentage will decrease to 5.70% from 5.77% of pensionable earnings up to the Yearly Maximum Pensionable Earnings (YMPE) of $46,300. For employees earning more than $46,300, the percentage will decrease to 9.20% (from 9.27% in 2008).

Part-time employees are paid two weeks in arrears, and will therefore only see the Canada Post Pension Plan changes in Pay Period 2. Pay Period 1 for those employees will cover the period from December 14 to 27.

If you have any questions regarding your pay statement, we encourage you to contact the Pay Contact Centre at 1 866 920-0459 or by e-mail at: paycontactcentre@canadapost.ca.

Since Christmas Day is falling on a Thursday this year, employee paycheques will be deposited on Wednesday, December 24, one day earlier than normal.

Unfortunately, certain employees may not receive their pay statements by Wednesday, a situation attributable to several factors, including the shorter payroll processing schedule and back-to-back statutory holidays.

We apologize for any inconvenience this situation may cause.

Online statements received through epost are not affected by this delay. For more information about how to sign up to receive your statements, bills and other financial documents through epost, go to www.epost.ca.

Members of the Canada Post Corporation Registered Pension Plan ("the Plan") should be reassured that despite recent financial market volatility, your pension benefit is not affected. The Plan is a "defined benefit" pension plan, meaning that the pension benefit formula is based on a member's pensionable earnings and pensionable service rather than the Plan's rate of investment return. Your pension benefit is secure.

"Although stock markets in Canada and around the world have recently experienced significant volatility, large declines are typically a part of the normal business cycle. These declines have happened many times in the past and will no doubt continue to occur in the future. Although we cannot predict when market conditions will improve, members should know that the Plan's investment managers have significant experience managing investment portfolios in difficult times", said Douglas Greaves, Vice President Pension Fund and Chief Investment Officer.

Current market conditions will clearly have an impact, but the Plan operates with a long-term view and it is not unusual to have financial shortfalls in some years and surpluses in others. As a large institutional investor, the Plan has diversified its investment holdings into many asset classes and in many markets around the world. This diversification will help reduce the impact of financial market volatility.

Moya Greene, President and CEO of Canada Post commented that, "the financial risk in providing a defined benefit pension plan is borne by Canada Post. However, in these uncertain economic conditions, our ability to remain competitive so as to generate the needed earnings and cash to support the Plan is imperative."

In this regard, the Canada Post Corporation Board of Directors (the "Board") has authorized the Corporation to resume making employer current service contributions to the Plan effective November 1, 2008.

The Board and management team is committed to making sure your pension benefit will be there for you when you need it.

As many of you will have heard, Canada Post has finally heard and listened. Telephone lines will be installed in all offices, including Group Post Offices.

This initiative is complimentary to the installation of the new Retail Point of Service system (RPS). More details will be communicated to all impacted Postmasters in the coming weeks but we can already tell you that Canada Post will pay $250.00 toward the installation of a business telephone line as well as $80.00 per month to cover the telephone expense.

These amounts were established by surveying telephone companies across Canada. Canada Post told your National CPAA representatives that the highest quote was $240.00 and $10.00 was added to that amount.

Many Postmasters will have received their $250.00 cheques by now so that they do not have to install the telephone at their own cost.

CPAA offices can now start planning on joining the remainder of the Corporation in the 21st century business world.

The Canadian Postmasters and Assistants Association filed a National grievance against the Corporation requesting that the Manulife Acquisition of Medical Information form be immediately withdrawn from usage. The CPAA feels strongly that this form, as currently in use, violates our members' right to privacy. If you are asked to sign this form, contact one of your local CPAA representative immediately before doing so.

This is a reminder to all Group Postmasters who are providing the post office premises.

It is your responsibility to ensure that a Building Liability Insurance policy is in place and in good standing to protect you from any/all possible claims from a third party (post office customers, passerby, etc).

The Canadian Postmasters and Assistants Association does carry a member's liability insurance policy. This policy provides limited coverage for claims filed against the CPAA members. It does not include coverage for claims arising from the building, sidewalk, parking lot, etc.

Should you encounter difficulties in securing adequate insurance coverage for your premises, get in touch with the National Office. Our Insurance Broker will refer your inquiry to one of their field offices in an effort to find suitable insurance coverage.

The following standards shall be observed in allowing you time off with pay to vote (including proxy voting) during the hours the polls are open.

In an attempt to assist members who may want to consider getting involved with the affairs of their local CPAA Branch, National developed a handbook outlining the typical duties of a Branch Secretary-Treasurer. Please note that duties may vary somewhat from one Branch to another. This handbook is only meant to give a high level overview of the position. For more information, please contact the executive officers of your Branch.

Duty to Accommodate Fact Sheet (PDF)

Harrassment: What is it and What to do about it (PDF)

Regional Offices

As most of you will have heard by now, on April 21, 2008, the Federal Government, under the auspices of Minister Lawrence Cannon, has put in place an Advisory Panel to conduct a Strategic Review of Canada Post Corporation. The Federal Government has mandated four key principles to guide this review. They are:

– Canada Post will not be privatized and will remain a Crown Corporation;
– Canada Post must maintain a universal, effective and economically viable postal service;
– Canada Post is to continue to act as an instrument of public policy through the provision of postal services to Canadians;
– Canada Post is to continue to operate in a commercial environment and is expected to attain a reasonable rate of return on equity.

The Advisory Panel review will focus mainly on the following four lines of inquiry:

– How have changes in technology, competition and customer demographics shaped the postal market?
– What has been the evolution of the markets for lettermail, parcels, advertising mail and international mail?
– What are the emerging needs of postal service customers?
– What can be learned from these same developments in the postal services markets in other counties?

The Advisory Panel has committed to meeting with the various stakeholders, which have a vested interest in their work. Our brothers and sisters of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers have already had their meeting and the Advisory Panel. The National officers of the Canadian Postmasters and Assistant Association met with the Advisory Panel on June 16, 2008.

We note that the Chair of the Advisory Panel, Dr. Robert M. Campbell, authored a book titled: Modernizing Postal Systems in the Electronic and Global World. In Dr. Campbell's biography, we read with interest that he served as a consultant on a study on the future of the American postal system, prepared for Pitney Bowes. For more on this, we refer you to the fifth paragraph of the article on Bill C-44, published in the last issue of The Canadian Postmasters' magazine. The final report of the Advisory Panel should be available in December 2008.

Website : www.cpcstrategicreview.gc.ca

Written Submissions : mailto:info@cpcsr-esscp.gc.ca

A new feature has been added to the CPAA web site. Under the heading of Health and Well Being, you will find the link to the Shepell fgi website. Shepell fgi is the company Canada Post Corporation contracted to provide the Employee Assistance Program and a multitude of services to employees who may be experiencing difficulties of one sort or another. Bear in mind that their services are provided in full confidentiality and no information about you seeking help will ever be relayed to the employer. We invite you to visit the Shepell fgi website and find out for yourself and your family, the types of service which are available free of charge.

Click here

On October 29, 2007, the federal government introduced Bill C-44 to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act. Bill C-44 excludes international letters from the current exclusive privilege to deliver letters. Click to print

On that day, in 1989, fourteen young women fell victim to the senseless acts of a deranged killer. On that day, we must also remember all women who are murdered or experience violence at the hands of their partners, family members and strangers throughout this country and our world. On that day, we must also renew our commitment to taking action to end all forms of violence against women in our society. We must continue our struggle to ensure that all women in Canada have true participation and economic and social equality in our society.

Please take note that the new Collective Agreement is now available here on our website.