CUPW - Strike looms over postal contract

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.thestarphoenix.com/business/ ... story.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Negotiations are beginning on a new collective bargaining agreement between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW).

The current contract expires Jan. 31.

"There's a good chance we could be in a strike position," said Lana Smidt, president of CUPW Local 824. "We've never seen these kinds of rollbacks."

Some of the changes to the contract being presented by Canada Post will not be accepted by the union, Smidt said. In particular, a plan to introduce a new, lower pay scale for new employees is at issue.

"We're not going to accept a two-tier pay system," said Smidt.

Smidt also said Canada Post has presented a new system for sick days, a reduction in vacation time and a new pension plan.

"We don't see (the pension plan) as a benefit," said Smidt.

Although negotiations are just beginning, CUPW has warned its workers a strike could be coming sometime this year.

"We're telling our workers to be prepared," said Smidt. "I don't want to get the public concerned, but we do have a lot of concerns."

According to Canada Post, negotiations are on schedule.

"We're confident that we're going to get a settlement," said Canada Post spokesperson John Caines.

"Talks started in October. There's nothing to comment on until we're further down the road," said Caines.
© Copyright (c) The StarPhoenix