Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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CUPW is working hard to be part of the solution to the COVID-19 crisis, and to enable members to care for ourselves and our families, and our communities. We can all play a part in mitigating the spread of the virus and protecting our vulnerable populations. We can all play a part in mitigating the spread of the virus and protecting our vulnerable populations.
Your experience in the workplace is our primary concern. Your feedback is valuable and we’re listening to members concerns from the workfloor throughout our decision-making. The best way to send your feedback is through your local Health and Safety committee or the stewards network, but we are doing our best to consider all member input, which is coming in through all channels.
In this critical time, we continue to struggle for social justice, and a just, safe and sustainable workplace and public postal service.
Vaccine Mandate to be Suspended effective July 6th, 2022
This message is for reporting purposes only and does not constitute an agreement of CUPW on CPC’s position on the matter.
Canada Post has confirmed that its vaccination “practice” will be suspended as of July 6, 2022 but that it could be reintroduced if circumstances change. CPC has also confirmed that members who were placed on leave without pay because of the practice can return to work on July 6th, 2022.
The impacted employees should have already received an automated call and a letter confirming this.
Further to that, team leaders are expected to contact the impacted employees by phone prior to July 6th to discuss their return to work plans. You have the right to request union representation for that discussion.
CPC is taking the position that Employees will be entitled to request further leave without pay up and until September 6th, 2022 or other paid leaves provided for in the Collective agreement. For example, this would permit employees who have found other temporary employment to give proper notice.
Our position continues to be that members should have been allowed to return to work as soon as possible. CPC has refused our demand to pay members who were put on leave without pay due to the vaccination “practice” as of June 20th, 2022 alleging that the Government had given them some flexibility on the subject. We are currently reviewing options with legal counsel and assessing reasons given by CPC for the delay.
Changes to COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures
As of July 4, 2022, Canada Post will be suspending physical distancing requirements and removing signage in its facilities. To encourage physical distancing, the floor markers and plastic barriers will remain in place. In addition, the protective barriers installed during the pandemic will also remain in facilities currently using them.
We still encourage members to wear masks and practice physical distancing where possible.
Health and Safety measures that remain in place include:
- Self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms is still required before you go to work.
- Isolation of confirmed or presumed positive cases as per Public Health requirements
- Enhanced Health and Safety protocols such as mandatory masks, physical distancing and rapid testing in locations and areas that show a high positivity rate.
- Five (5) days of quarantine leave for confirmed or presumed positive cases that are required to isolate.
- Employees returning to work after an isolation period will be expected to wear a CPC provided medical mask (level 2) for an additional five (5) days in the workplace
- Hand sanitizer and cleaning products remain available in all facilities
Updates to Quarantine and Isolation Periods at Canada Post
As of March 24, 2022, Canada Post has changed the duration of quarantine leave and isolation periods for its COVID-19 protocols for most circumstances. In all scenarios, members should continue to update their supervisor.
Close Contact and Quarantine
For members who have had close contact with someone who is confirmed to have COVID-19, the quarantine period is now zero (0) days. Members may consult with a local public health authority to determine if there are alternative quarantine measures they must take. Otherwise, members are expected to report to work.
Isolation for COVID-19 Positive or Symptomatic Cases
For members who have tested positive for COVID-19 or who have symptoms and are presumed positive, the isolation period is now five (5) days.
Directives from Local Public Health Authorities
Some local public health authorities may advise alterative measures and/or longer durations for quarantine or isolation leave. Members may contact their local public health authority to find out if there are differences, as Canada Post is supposed to comply with directives from local public health authorities.
COVID-19 Illnesses Greater than Five (5) Days in Length
In cases where COVID-19 symptoms or fever persist beyond the Canada Post isolation period, members can contact their local public health authority to determine if an extension is required. Otherwise, for durations longer than five (5) days, but seven (7) calendar days or less, members can use their personal days. If the duration is greater than seven (7) calendar days, members should use the Short-Term Disability Plan (STDP).
Returning to Work
According to Canada Post, you can return to work after your quarantine or isolation period is complete and symptoms are improving, with no sign of fever for 24 hours.
Members working at Canada Post: if Canada Life calls you about your pay or benefits while you have to be off work, you have the right to union representation in your communications with them as well.
Latest News
Child Care during Lockdowns
As many regions have moved into lockdown and schools and child care providers have closed, we have received many questions about what people can do for child care.
Given that not everyone has the same collective agreement provisions, here are some useful resources:
- Family Care for Full-Time and Part-Time Members at Canada Post: https://www.cupw.ca/en/updated-special-leave-family-care
- Temps and OCREs at Canada Post and Private Sector Members
- Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB): https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-caregiving-benefit.html
- Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB): https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-caregiving-benefit.html
- Government of Quebec
- Specific Information for Daycare Centres and Schools: https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/schools-daycare-centres-covid19/
Province and Territorial COVID Pages
Disclaimer
We are sharing the best available information we can find and updating it whenever possible, and without delay. Thus, while we are disseminating this information, please be aware that not everything we’re sharing here has been thoroughly vetted by the union, nor does it necessarily represent CUPW’s beliefs or positions.
Update: January 15, 2021
Quebec Curfew and Proof of Employment
Members in Quebec are under curfew with stay-at-home orders during the hours of 8pm to 5am. Some Quebec police have been given the authority to arbitrarily stop and question people who are not at home.
When you go to work, please carry your Canada Post employee ID card and a recently-dated letter confirming employment. Your Canada Post ID might not be enough if you get stopped.
Members in Quebec should have already received their letter of employment from Canada Post. If you did not receive one, please speak to your union local immediately.
