Canadian Postmastersand

Assistants Association

l’Association canadiennedes maîtres

de poste et adjoints

December 2005

2

URGENTNew Beneficiary Form

for Group Life Insurance Planrequired immediately.

See enclosed letter and form.

CHANGE OF ADDRESSIn order to maintain an accuratemailing list, please send addresschanges to our National Office

as soon as possible.

For more information on thelast Just For You seminar,

see in the centreof this magazine.

National President’sAnnual Report

A copy of the 2005 Annual National President’sReport is available upon request.

Send your request to the addressmentioned herein.

The Canadian Postmaster is published two times a year by the Canadian Postmasters and Assistants Association.

National PresidentLeslie A. Schous

National Vice PresidentPat E. Fagan

National Vice PresidentPierre Charbonneau

National Secretary-TreasurerShirley L. Dressler

Support StaffSylvie DuguayLise DeschampsLucie ClermontMonia DenisPascal Leroux

EditorCPAA

TranslationJoAnne St-Gelais

Branch RepresentativesA complete listing is in this magazine.

Address inquiries, comments or correspondence to:CPAA

281 Queen MaryOttawa ON K1K 1X1

Tel. (613) 745-2095 Fax (613) 745-5559E-Mail: mail@cpaa-acmpa.ca

Website: www.cpaa-acmpa.ca

Convention No. 40069832

ISSN/0008-4794

With the approach of thefestive season,

it is a pleasure for all of us at

to extend Season’s Greetingsand wish you a New Year

filled with Health, Happinessand Prosperity.

National President’s Message

It is amazing to look out the window and see the leaves falling and Nature preparing herself forwinter. It seems like only yesterday when I sat down to tap out my last message to you, hailingthe arrival of spring. We often wonder where and how time can pass so quickly, time is never idleon our hands and as usual there has been plenty of activity at 281 Queen Mary.

Labour Relations continues to have many issues on the go. The Branches have filed a very largenumber of grievances this year. The most significant areas of concern surround: consultation;hours cuts because of Point of Call Identifier (POCI); hours replacements and staffing. Nationally,we continue to consult on various issues and continue to maintain an open relationship with thegoal of sharing information and ensuring that the rights of the members of CPAA are beingupheld.

The “committee” was finally struck between CPAA and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers(CUPW) to look at the various issues surrounding the Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers (RSMC)working out of CPAA offices. The main topics of discussion are based on the work of therespective bargaining units, outstanding grievances regarding work in the bargaining units, healthand safety issues, as well as any areas in which the two unions may have a common concern. Themeetings are going well and valuable information is being shared.

The Political Action Committee was very happy to hear the announcement from the HonourableJohn McCallum, Minister Responsible for Canada Post, made on August 25, 2005 in LumsdenSaskatchewan. Minister McCallum openly stated that “our commitment to the moratorium againstrural post office closure remains unwavering...”. There is still some concern though, that “as a lastresort”, offices may be amalgamated. As in the past, we will need to be vigilant to ensure thatCanada Post respects this moratorium and that post offices are kept open. You are our eyes inthe community and we need your help. As in the past, we need you to keep us up to date in anyactivities that could lead to the closure of a post office.

In mid October, we had the immense pleasure of facilitating the Just For You course. We heldthree (3) day sessions in four (4) major centres: Charlottetown, P.E.I.; Quebec City, QC; Ottawa,Ont. and Edmonton, Alb. Once again, we received excellent response to our brochure andapproximately 470 members applied. The course was greatly appreciated and enjoyed by themembers and trainers alike.

Negotiations are on the move. The Committee has met quite extensively this fall. It is our hopethat we will be at the table this fall or at least early in 2006. Although, we anticipate a shorterround this time, as compared to the last round which took 15 months, we will never sacrifice therights and benefits of our membership solely to have a speedy round of bargaining. Thank youto each and everyone of you who took the time to submit demands, your interest and suggestionsare greatly appreciated.

As 2005 draws to a close and we look back over the past year, we know there have been manychallenges, but also many victories and we thank our membership for the support given to us. Onbehalf of my husband Bill, and myself, we wish you a beautiful holiday season shared with lovedones and good friends, and may 2006 bring you much happiness and prosperity.

Leslie A. Schous

Leasing Allowance

by Pat E. Fagan

As a condition of employment, many Group Postmasters are required to provide a premise to housethe Post Office. They in turn are paid a leasing allowance to cover the associated costs.

Leasing allowance is intended to cover the costs related to the following six (6) criteria:

‘ Heating‘ Lighting‘ Cleaning‘ Maintenance‘ Local taxes‘ Liability Insurance

Leasing allowance does not cover rental costs as it is a condition of employment that the Postmasterprovides the premises.

Clause 43.01 b) of the CPAA/CPC Collective Agreement says:

“Where the Corporation or the Association believes that exceptional circumstancesrequire that the leasing allowance for a particular post office be increased, the mattershall be the subject of national consultation.”

This means that whenever there are circumstances that impact on the rate of leasing allowance beingpaid, a request for an increase should be sent to the National office of the Association. This requestshould contain all relevant information such as the associated costs of providing the utilitiesidentified above.

Your request can be submitted directly to the National Office or you can contact a member of yourBranch Board for assistance.

The purpose of having all requests brought forward at the National level is to ensure consistency inthe way increases are determined and to ensure that all members are treated equally. This also assiststhe national negotiating team to identify the issues related to leasing allowance and ensure that anynegotiating approach put forward is reflective of the situation across the country.

NEGOTIATIONS REPORT

by Pat E. Fagan

Pursuant to Clause 60.02 of the Collective Agreement, the Association has servednotice to Canada Post, that we wish to enter into bargaining to renew the CollectiveAgreement. The Corporation has responded to our notice and indicated that they areprepared to begin bargaining as soon as possible.

In preparation for negotiations the Negotiating Committee met from September 12,2005 to September 22, 2005.

We have received in excess of 200 demands from our members. The committee’sfirst task was to catalogue those demands and discuss each with a view todetermining whether or not, they were legitimate demands under the jurisdiction ofthe Collective Agreement and to decide if they were relevant to the Association as awhole.

As part of that process, we also reviewed the existing Collective Agreement to ensurethat we captured any anomalies or issues that arose from the interpretation of theagreement that could be addressed through negotiations. The end result of theseongoing efforts will be the development of our package of demands that will bepresented to the Corporation when we begin bargaining.

While we are optimistic that this ongoing round of bargaining can be concluded withina reasonable period of time, it will depend on the number of issues brought forward,as well as other factors such as availability.

From December 2005 Magazine

Canadian Postmasters and Assistants AssociationNational Annual General Meeting

Marriott Residence InnOttawa, Ontario

2005-10-01

The meeting was called to order at 10 a.m. by National President, Leslie A. Schous.

There were eleven (11) members present.

O Canada!

In Memoriam

Introduction of the members of the National Board.

The National President report was presented by Leslie A. Schous, National President.

The audited financial statement for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2004 was presentedby Shirley L. Dressler, National Secretary-Treasurer.

After a brief question and answer period, the meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m.

In Memoriam

From September 1, 2004 to August 31, 2005

Mrs. Anne Cole WardBury, QC

Mrs. Denise KrumholtzWyoming, Ont.

Mrs. Sandra BrownStrasbourg, Sask.

Mrs. Simone LavoiePanet, QC

Mrs. Judy SneddonLangham, Sask.

Mr. André LaflammeSt-Damien-de-Buckland, QC

Mr. Patrick E. MasonWhiteshell, Man.

Mrs. Julia M. BishopLeaf Rapids, Man.

Mr. Barry N. HefferThornbury, Ont.

Mrs. Mary Anne MeyersWawota, Sask.

Mrs. Jennine LeblancSainte-Marie-de-Kent, N.B.

Mrs. Susan ByrdMountain, Ont.

Mr. John S. FryeDelta, Ont.

Mrs. Susan LyttleBirtle, Man.

Mrs. Marlene Wilma ComfortLa Ronge, Sask.

Mr. Peter D.H. LooMilner, B.C.

Mrs. Marie CozartCentral Butte, Sask.

Mr. Donald W. ClarkBoiestown, N.B.

Our most sincere condolences to their relatives and friends.

Work Option Program

by Shirley L. Dressler

Canada Post offers a Work Option Program which allows indeterminate employees an opportunityto add flexibility to their work and personal lives.

There are seven (7) work options available to members of CPAA. They are:

1. Reduced Work Schedule2. Leave of Nineteen Days or Less3. Seasonal Leave with Income Averaging4. Leave to Work for a Recognized Non-Profit Organization5. Special Education Leave6. Self Funded Leave7. Phased Retirement Leave

Participation in this program is optional. Only you can determine if a work option will be beneficialto you. Your salary will be reduced and benefit coverage will vary depending on which option youchoose. Applications require approval by the Corporation and must be renewed on a yearly basis.

There is a 5-year limit during which an employee may be on pensionable leave without pay. Thismeans that all periods of leave taken after January 1, 1996 will be considered towards the 5-yearlimit. Once the 5-year limit is attained, any period of authorized leave without pay taken beyondthis limit will not be pensionable.

For more detailed information regarding the Work Options Program, you may call the EmployeeInformation Line (1-800-394-4000), your Local Area Manager or your appropriate Canada PostEmployee Relations office.

In Memoriamby Pat E. Fagan

It was with deep regret that we learned of the passing of Peter Loo of Milner, B.C. onJuly 31, 2005. Peter is survived by his wife Linda and family.

Peter served as a director of the B.C. and Yukon Branch of CPAA from June 11, 1995 toAugust 27, 1999 and from September 6, 2000 to June 10, 2001. Peter also served as BranchVice-President from August 28, 1999 to September 5, 2000.

Many of the past and present officers of CPAA, as well as the members of the B.C. andYukon Branch, will remember Peter fondly as a person who loved life and loved being withand helping people. He brought an energy to CPAA conventions and meetings by hisenthusiastic participation and contribution that was a pleasure to see.

Peter will always be remembered with a smile for his enjoyment of the social events andhis ability to entertain the people around him.

Our most sincere condolences are extended to Linda and his family. He will be sorelymissed by his colleagues and peers.

POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE UPDATE

by Shirley L. Dressler

“This government is committed to the moratorium against rural post office closures and will not tolerateactions contrary to its spirit. Canada Post will follow the assessment and consultation process any time asituation arises with implications for the continued existence of a rural post office, regardless of whether thepost office is owned by Canada Post or operated as a franchise.”

Honourable John McCallum

The statement made on August 25, 2005 by the Honourable John McCallum, MinisterResponsible for Canada Post, pledging to uphold the 1994 moratorium to stop post officeclosures, was a welcome statement. In addition, the Minister stated he “...will be takingadditional steps to formalize the assessment and consultation process Canada Post will followwith local officials any time a situation arises with implications for the continued existence ofa rural post office.”

These are certainly encouraging words. The Corporation has reacted to the statement byadvising us that they have decided to staff the Postmaster position in thirty-six (36) offices. Wehope that these are the first of many vacant positions to be filled.

We must continue however to be vigilant in monitoring Canada Post to ensure the governmentremains committed to upholding the moratorium, and that Canada Post will follow the Minister’sprocess to protect our rural post offices and communities. Only when we can be certain thatpost office closures have stopped and our rural post offices are staffed can we determine thatthis issue is resolved.

CPAA remains committed to keeping rural post offices open. Your continued efforts andsupport will assist us to enforce the government’s commitment to do the same.

“Rural Canadians deserve no less.”

TERM ELIGIBILITY LIST

by Leslie A. Schous

The January 2005 (Vol. 10, No. 1) issue of Infopost identifies that new staffingguidelines have been developed to establish a list of terms within offices. It furtherstates that Postmasters can obtain a copy of these guidelines by calling the EmployeeInformation Line (EIL).

CPAA understood that Canada Post would distribute these guidelines to all CPAAoffices to ensure Postmasters were aware that each office was entitled to their ownlist of term employees. Minutes from the January 25, 2005 National Consultation,agenda item 3, reflect that “The new process of advertising to set up term lists has beensent to the field.” The phrase “sent to the field” indicated to us that the guidelines hadbeen sent to all offices. Unfortunately, this information has not yet been cascaded toour members.

CPAA strongly recommends that a list of terms be established for every post office.If you have not already done this, please be sure to contact the EIL (1-800-394-4000)for guidelines to assist in establishing your list of terms. This process for hiring termsdoes not apply in Postmaster provided premises and Canada Post is currentlyreviewing a process for that purpose.

ACQUISITION OF MEDICAL INFORMATION FORM

by Pierre Charbonneau

The Acquisition of Medical Information Form is part of Canada Post’s attendancemanagement program and is used to assist the Corporation in managing certified sickleave, workplace injuries, disability insurance, etc.

When medical information is required, Canada Post submits the request to Medisys, thehealth unit within Canada Post. Medisys will send the form to the employee for their doctorto complete. The completed form is returned to Medisys by the employee.

DO NOT RETURN THIS FORM TO YOUR SUPERVISOR. Your supervisor is not entitledto have access to any of your personal medical information.

If Canada Post does not comply with this procedure, contact your union representativeimmediately.

CANADA POST BENEFITS

Spouse and Children coverage for:

Dental Care Plan Extended Health Care Plan (EHCP) Vision Care Plan Hearing Care Plan

Your spouse and children become eligible for coverage when you become eligible, or later when theyfirst meet the Program’s definition of eligibility*.

* Eligibility

1. As per Article 34 of the Collective Agreement – Example: Are eligible to the Dental Plan, Vision and Hearing Care Plans, employees who workfifteen (15) hours or more per week, as well as all postmasters, provided that they are in CPAAclassification level 2 and above.

2. As per Insurance Plan Eligibility – Example: Coverage begins for Dental Plan, the 1st day of the month following completion of6 months of continuous employment or the date the employee is appointed to an eligibleposition. Coverage begins for Vision/Hearing plans, the 1st day of the month following the datethe employee is appointed to an eligible position.

Your spouse is the person! to whom you are legally married and with whom you live, or;! to whom you were or are legally married and whom you support, or;! with whom you have been living continuously in a common-law relationship, and whom you

have been publicly representing as your spouse, for at least one (1) year.

ChildrenYour natural or legally adopted children or stepchildren, unmarried and financially dependenton you or your spouse, living with you or your spouse, are eligible to the following Plans:

! Dental Care Plan (see eligibility: clause 34.03 in Collective Agreement)! Extended Health Care Plan! Corporate Vision & Hearing Care Plans (see eligibility: clause 34.03 in Collective

Agreement)

IF: (for all plans)

! under age 22 (under age 21 for EHCP);! under age 25 and full-time college or university student, except for orthodontic expenses,

under age 22 only;! any age, if they are mentally or physically disabled and incapable of self-sustaining

employment, provided they were disabled and covered on the date coverage would otherwisehave ended.

No relative other than your spouse and dependent children are covered by these plans.

Just For YouOctober 2005

by Pierre Charbonneau

The ninth session of the course Just For You was held from October 14 to 16, 2005, in Edmonton,Ottawa, Quebec City and Charlottetown. All participants mentioned that they were going back to workwith new tools to protect their rights and a better understanding of the collective agreement.Enthusiasm shown by every participant has provided an increased motivation to all union representativesin their daily work environment.

The National Training and Education Committee would like to commend all members for theirparticipation and interest through this training session. We received 474 applications for this program,keeping in mind that former participants cannot reapply a second time for the training session.

We sincerely thank our team of trainers, as well as anyone who contributed one way or another to thesuccess of this training program in 2005.

The committee is not in a position to confirm whether there will be a course Just For You in 2006, forbudget reasons, however be assured that we will do everything we can to that effect. In the meantime,it is possible for you to participate and enhance your union knowledge by getting involved in theactivities of your own branch, because your union representatives are there Just For You.

You will find below a list of participants, trainers, as well as some pictures taken in various regions. Hereare also some comments from the participants:

“Wonderful, you have a nice and dynamic team. Your human spirit impressed me greatly, andwith your explanations we understand better the collective agreement. Thanks a million!”

“The friendly atmosphere created by the instructors and team was very conducive to learning.It created enthusiasm and pride in being a CPAA member.”

“Thank you CPAA. We have a wonderful union and our reps and instructors were awesome.This was a very worthwhile experience and opportunity.”

“It was very enjoyable and informative.” “I arrived not able to imagine how we could talk“union” for 3 days, but in truth we barely scratched the surface.” “Great job... willrecommend to co-workers.”

Just For You2005-10-14, 15, 16

EastCharlottetown, P.E.I.

Trainers: Pat E. FaganR. Anne WattsLouise Ade

NewfoundlandBaird, Cavelle – FoxtrapBuffett, Michael Colin – Grand BankGibbons, Monica – St Vincent’sLewis, Eileen – Birchy BayMacIsaac, Caroline – South BranchWilliams, Betty – Goulds

MaritimesDickinson, Shirley E. – Hartland NBDonovan, Sharon – Upper Kent NBJones, Annette – Cornwall PEPorter, Terry A. – Canning NSWood, Karen – Hubbards NS

Elsewhere (in english)Beaudoin, Clyde – Sutton QCEastman, Duncan – Sawyerville QCPelletier, Céline – Bromont QC

CentralQuébec, Quebec

Trainers: Pierre CharbonneauJacinthe TurcotteLoraine Brochette

QuebecDuval, Lucie – Sainte Anne des LacsGévry, Nathalie – Ste Brigide d’IbervilleLabranche, Michele – MacamicLehoulier, Doris – St-Pierre Rivière SudLévesque, Anne – AumondLongpré, Line – OkaRobinson, Barbara – Ste-Anne de la PéradeRousseau, Nathalie – La PocatièreSavard, Renée-Claude – DunhamSt-François, André – Knowlton

Elsewhere (in french)Bérubé, Michel – Wedgeport NSCormier, Jeanita – Grande Digue NBDoiron, Christiane – Petit Rocher NBLandry Régina – Maisonnette NBLeBlanc, Simonne – Saint Louis de Kent NB

CentralOttawa, Ont.

Trainers: Leslie A. SchousSonja LemayJames G. Roswell

OntarioBradley, Bernadette – Barry’s BayCatchpole, Marion – EnglehartDeGuerre, Louise – CookstownDubois, Marcel – HanmerHealy, Patty – ForestLeggett, Marilynne – Wolfe IslandNeiman, Stacey – MaynoothProcyk, Alana – Red LakeSomerville, Lynn – Richmond HillSt Louis, Carmen – Callander

ManitobaGarand, Valerie – Pine FallsHocaluk, Connie – LibauSoloway, Eileen – Pine RiverThompson, Kathy – HamiotaVanDamme, Elaine – Glenboro

WestEdmonton, Alberta

Trainers: Shirley L. DresslerDenice A. PharisSue A. Verhelst

SaskatchewanBlezy, Francine – StorthoaksCurrie, Colleen J. – KennedyHanson, Gail – WatsonKrahenbil, Shelly – LembergMartineau, Lilliane – Vonda

Alberta, NWT & NUBohnke, Rhonda – WanhamBuckler, Betty – EntwistleHenning, Florence – MayerthorpeJohnson, Rachel – BlairmoreNyal, Florence – Redcliff

B.C. & YukonFossli, Lisa – Port EdwardNear, Susan – TahsisNegrin, Donna – CroftonNiro, Dale – WinfieldPrintz, Corinne – Houston