The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) is advocating for a series of demand

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) is advocating for a series of demands to improve the working conditions and compensation of its members who work for Canada Post. These demands cover various aspects of employment, including wages, benefits, workplace health and safety, and job security. Here is a breakdown of the key demands mentioned:

1. **19% Wage Increase Over 4 Years**: CUPW is seeking a substantial wage increase to reflect the cost of living and the value of the work performed by postal workers.

2. **10 Paid Medical Leave Days on Top of 7 Personal Days**: This demand aims to provide additional sick leave to ensure employees can take the time they need to recover from illnesses or attend medical appointments without undue stress or financial burden.

3. **Fertility Treatment Benefit**: This benefit would cover the costs of fertility treatments for union members, recognizing the challenges some individuals face in starting a family.

4. **Gender-Affirming Care Benefit**: The inclusion of gender-affirming care in the health benefits package would support transgender and non-binary workers in accessing necessary medical services.

5. **Paid Meals for Shifts 5 Hours or More**: This demand seeks to ensure that workers on longer shifts receive adequate breaks and compensation for their meals.

6. **Limit Surveillance for Productivity**: CUPW is pushing for restrictions on the use of surveillance technology to monitor workers, emphasizing the importance of privacy and the potential negative impact on employee morale and well-being.

7. **88% Wages If Injured at Work**: The union is fighting for a higher income replacement rate for injured workers to maintain their financial stability during recovery.

8. **Vision Care Benefit**: The addition of vision care to the benefits package would help cover the costs of eye exams, glasses, and other vision-related expenses.

9. **Increased Health Specialist Benefit**: Enhanced health benefits would provide better access to specialized healthcare services for employees.

10. **Protection Against Technology**: As Canada Post introduces new technologies, CUPW wants to ensure that these do not lead to job loss or worsening working conditions for its members.

11. **No Contracting Work Out**: The union is opposed to the outsourcing of work to contractors, which can affect job security and the quality of services.

12. **Snow Tires for Rural Mail Carriers**: This demand is for the provision of snow tires to improve safety for postal workers driving in winter conditions.

13. **8 Hour Routes**: CUPW is advocating for more manageable work routes that can be completed within an 8-hour workday, which is a standard workday length in many jurisdictions.

14. **Benefits for Temporary Employees**: Extending benefits to temporary workers would provide them with the same level of support as permanent employees.

15. **Eliminate Separate Sort From Delivery**: This would streamline the work process and potentially reduce the workload for postal workers.

The concerns expressed by a CUPW worker regarding the union trying to satisfy everyone indicate that there may be internal discussions about the prioritization of demands and the distribution of potential gains across different groups of employees. It's essential for the union to balance the needs and expectations of all its members, including senior workers, to maintain solidarity and effectively negotiate with the employer.