Canada Post abusing EI program

    OTTAWA, Nov. 13 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Post Corporation (CPC) is trying to
use the government's Employment Insurance program to reduce its own costs,
according to the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) - the union that
represents about 2,400 CPC employees.
    In current contract negotiations with PSAC, CPC has been attempting to
implement a new short-term disability system that would rely on EI as a major
part of a new and minimal short-term disability plan. The new system would
require employees to apply for EI benefits in the event of extended illness,
even in cases where employees have accumulated sick leave in the "bank."
    Employment insurance is there to protect workers who are laid off,
especially in hard economic times like these, says PSAC National President
John Gordon. "It's not meant to be used to bail out profitable corporations
like Canada Post."
    The same group of employees - predominantly female and employed in
administrative positions - has an outstanding pay equity complaint against
Canada Post that has been on the books for the last 25 years.
    Gordon believes CPC is playing hardball with the smallest group of its
employees as a precursor to an attempt to implement a new sick leave scheme on
all CPC workers.
    He noted "our members turned out in record numbers and almost 90% voted
in favour of strike action largely because of this plan Given that Canada Post
is not prepared to change its stance on their sick leave scheme, we have today
served Canada Post with a strike notice".
    Gordon welcomed the support of PSAC's sister union at Canada Post, the
Canadian Union of Postal Workers. He also reassured PSAC members at Canada
Post that they can count on the support of their PSAC brothers and sisters
from across the country.
    The PSAC has filed an unfair labour practice complaint against Canada
Post Corporation for disseminating false information to its employees about
ongoing negotiations with PSAC and for disregarding provisions of the Canada
Labour Code.
    Misleading statements made by the employer indicated that changes to the
sick leave and family leave provisions will come into effect on January 1,
2010. This statement ignored the fact that these changes have not yet been
negotiated with the union. The union also accused the employer of attempting
to discredit the union by directly contacting PSAC members and making
misleading and erroneous statements with regard to events at the bargaining
table.

For further information: Alain Cossette, PSAC Communications, (613)
293-9210