COVID-19 is now a global pandemic, but employees at Canada Post say their organization is not delivering on the health and safety front.
Scores of carriers and plant workers with Canada Post are now reaching out to local, provincial and federal politicians, and health agencies in sheer desperation to report their “horrific working conditions” and “bad bosses” who will dismiss anyone voicing concerns over the widespread epidemic.
A number of employees have also reported their concerns to Canada Post Union Representatives and the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board.
“You will be shunned immediately if you ask questions about workplace safety, or if you have concerns about getting sick,” says one Canada Post employee who works at a facility in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). “We are all working in unsafe environments and we are are all very scared. Our political leaders and leading doctors with major health agencies want us to stop the spread of COVID-19, but Canada Post doesn’t seem to care at all. They just want the mail delivered – that’s it. They are not concerned about this virus and they don’t care about us or the general public.”
Canada Post, an organization that is identified as an essential service, issued a statement this afternoon on the matter (March 21, 2020):
If you can’t satisfy your partner, don’t worry, viagra cheap usa and levitra instead of levitra 10 mg and icks.org, you can save money because online pharmacies offer low prices and discounts. So if ever you face any two of buy cheapest cialis these then you might be a victim of erectile dysfunction. icks.org tadalafil online australia Calcium Channel Blockers – these dilate the arteries thereby reducing the quality of life. 2. High blood pressure is also another risk factor for the sexual relationship. icks.org prescription for cialis purchase“As Canada Post continues to operate during this unprecedented time, we expect to face new and ongoing challenges. The circumstances around the COVID-19 virus are changing constantly, along with the impact it is having on all of us. Meanwhile, the call to help flatten the curve remains urgent. We are prepared to adapt our operations so that we can help slow the spread of this virus in our communities, while continuing to serve Canadians and protecting the health and safety of our employees and customers. We know Canadians are counting on us and we will do everything we can to keep this country’s postal service going. We also hope Canadians will be understanding with our employees who are out in our communities delivering during this difficult period, and in our post offices continuing to serve. We are all in this together.”
Canada Post Statement: March 21, 2020.
New and veteran employees alike report that they are still forced to take taxis for mail route deliveries, even though many of them have expressed that they don’t feel comfortable doing so.
“People are in and out these cabs all day and we are being put at risk with each ride,” says another employee. “We have even been called to meetings where we had to stand in close proximity, only to be told to stay apart.”
Many Canada Post employees across the GTA and Toronto are reporting that as many as two people are working in small cases that are designed to house only one person, and people are literally touching bodies as they work. Even more alarming is that work stations are never cleaned/sterilized, only swept occasionally.
Other employees are also floored after they went to their direct supervisors with concerns about the virus being spread in the workplace. Turns out, their supervisors scoffed at any concerns.
“It is only a matter of time before this virus enters our workplace,” says another employee in the GTA. “It will spread like a forest fire. We have already had several people off on quarantine and we have another one off right now who has been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.”
“I feel scared, unprotected, and helpless. There is a general feeling in the air to not ask questions, suck it up and get the mail delivered as they are very short staffed. I am afraid to take time off of work because there is a feeling that there will be retribution upon return.,” adds the employee.
The only thing they have done to adapt operations to flatten the curve, is no signatures on items, that’s it.
I can personally vouch for the filth inside the plant in Stoney Creek.
But they (Cpc) we’re right about one thing, they will do anything to keep the mail going, including putting health (mentally and physically) and safety at risk.
I have been a postal worker for over 25 years and have in recent years been ashamed to have been an employee. I feel the workers are being mishandled and under appreciated with NO CONTRACT . These recent events surrounding Covid-19 have further illustrated how little health and safety and worker appreciation are deemed an importance. At the very least we should be granted a contract and a safe environment to work at. At the very best we deserve to be proud of our jobs.
Shut it down for until we see how things progress. Nothing is more essential than life itself. There are solutions to all other problems-including people getting mail.
You don’t even mention retail clerks who are standing behind the counter having close contact with the public and handling money every day
We cannot have it two ways
.isolated on the weekend and exposed to a millions thru mail..touching mail.
Exposed in the office…all or nothing…close everything down for 1 month!!!!!!!! Wuhan did..and are showing positive results….please..please…learn fro. Others!!!!!!
Canada Post employees with underlining health conditions such as respiratory issue or low immune systems or over the age of 60, should not be at work, but stay at home.
Canada Post can not provide isolated work environments for everyone as social distancing is not always possible at Canada Post given the nature of the work.
Those employees who are taking this seriously are put into difficult situations, as some younger healthy workers feel this whole thing is being blown out of proportion and in turn are not practicing safe practices.
But Canada Post CAN NOT force all employees to practice safe distancing and hand washing outside of work hours, as well as decide who is in contact with who.. so in the end there is really no way to control the Coronavirus from entering the work space, except to shut it down.
In order for Canada Post to be effective in the fight against the Coronavirus from entering the workspace… All jobs tasks must happen with social distancing and masks and gloves need to be used and supplied by Canada Post.
Mail products need to be limited to life saving delivery items only, such as medications and essential goods.
Canada Post shouldn’t have to put their employees lives in danger for the delivery of non-essential items in these tough times.
As the days progress, Canada Post needs to also consider following provincial and civic quarantine rules with regards to delivery and operations.
So for example if Vancouver goes into complete lockdown, should Canada Post employees be out their on the street delivering shoe laces, candies, t-shirts, extra.. Who will decide what is an essential item for delivery? Does Canada Post ask Amazon, WallMart and others big box retailers to make that call?
This call needs to happen soon as many Canadians who are at home and busy online ordering everything under the sun, without first considering who will have to process and deliver their order and the risks that come with that…
I have been wearing surgical gloves daily now to help keep myself protected. If you could see how filthy they are at the end of the day you would shudder.
Suggestion
I asked Canada Post to consider creating a deliberate backlog of mail and parcels by canceling work next weekend, explaining to the population that there’s a very small delay created to insure the virus would be dead by the time we get to handle things. And I am sure that the people of this country would agree and be thankful.
As for the Part time employees, they could be asked to come in during the week to fill in their hours. Additionally, no overtime or on call staff.
Our employer provides empty plastic bins to most of their clients to fill with mail and parcels. The plastic bins that are used in mailboxes often come with refuse from passerby. Letting all this sit for a certain amount of time could provide peace of mind, relieving anxiety and stress. It is true that in most facilities the amount of space is limited, just consider that every year at Christmas time, locations are rented for storage. Exceptional measures for exceptional times.
Just a suggestion!
Been no extra cleaning, no disinfecting of anything, no masks, got cheapest latex gloves made which break.
The bins the mail arrive at depots are plastic and the virus last how long on plastic.
Maybe we need to be regularly tested to see if we are infected or not.
And all this working on a contract which expired two years ago.
Way to go Canada Post.
Canada Post has made only one change during this pandemic crisis-not requiring signatures.
As per their statement issued in which the health and safety of their employees is of priority then….
-why are we not supplied with adequate protective gear? Gloves, masks, hand sanitizer at our cases and to take out with us while delivering and touching door handles, mailboxes, mail slots?
-why is social distancing preached but not enforced in the workplace? People are not adhering to this and nothing is being done to protect those who want it practised by ALL.
These rules need to be ENFORCED at all times…instead of never enforced.
-why are we delivering non-essential mail and parcels such as Casino promotional mail, Wayfair, Princess Margaret Lottery Mail, as well as probably at least 90% of mail which is not essential? (The answer is because it boils down to revenue loss for Canada Post.) Why was this not stopped immediately? It has increased our exposure as a result.
-why are we delivering flyers to almost every house during a time like this? How is this looking out for our health? This is looking out for REVENUE for the corporation.
Canada Post-what is it going to take for you to realize the severity of this situation? How many lives will be lost as a result of your failure to protect your employees?
If anyone can help us in ANY way, through contacts/influence/speaking out…. to help us we would appreciate and encourage any and all help from our fellow Canadians🇨🇦❤️
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The problem with CPC management and its mistreatment of its employees has been going on for a very long time. It’s only now being highlighted in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. CPC’s methodology of management has always been one of reaction, never proactive, so it stands to reason that it literally is only a matter of time before an employee is going to infect some mail processing facility which will force a shutdown. The best thing for employees to do now is to highlight this issue to the fed govt thru health/safety avenues and also band together as a ‘team’ whenever confronted with apathy and ignorance from Supervisors etc. Safety First is everyone’s priority!🙏
Throughout this pandemic, we as delivery agents have been obligated and required to deliver flyers daily. This has increased our risk to contacting the virus as it means we spend more time in the station preparing the flyers and then have contact with mailboxes and handles at every house because we must go to the house to deliver these flyers.
FLYERS ARE CANADA POSTS MAJOR REVENUE GENERATOR. These flyers end up in our landfill. All flyer information is available online and flyers should be stopped. Canadian Tire is their biggest flyer customer and biggest polluter.
They are trying to continue flyer service for as long as they can get away with it. Flyers=big money for Canada Post. They will not stop making us deliver flyers to look out for our health and safety. They will continue to force flyers until a big enough issue is made out of it that they will have to stop this non-sensical practise.
Everyone in Canada can do your part to not only help keep us safer but but also protecting our planet from all this waste by simply putting a note on their mailbox saying “No Junk Mail”.
Each of us has the power to stop this destruction of our resources and environment.
While you are home, take two minutes and tape a note on your mailbox and encourage family and friends to do so.
Together let’s keep us all safe and protect our planet.
Let’s collectively as a country stop this littering of our planet. The power is within each of us-let’s do our part:) No More Junk Mail Please!
Stay home for 2 weeks at a minimum. It is against the law to discipline an employee that quarantines during this time.
What IF someone at Canada Post was unknowingly a carrier of Covid19. Or any of the 8 people who touched that mail/parcel before it reaches my letter carrier who then leaves my package/mail in my mailbox. Domino effect. Do I and others who are doing our part, staying in, social distancing really want to get Covid19 from my mail? Wake up Canada Post… do your part.
I am concerned about mail being delivered door to door. A contagious letter carrier could “seed” the virus to hundred of homes and business’ in a single day. A letter carrier coughs on the mail or rubs their nose and then puts the mail through your door slot or in your mailbox. Voila! Transmission!
The only way to have letter mail stop going into every home and business is from a PUBLIC health point of view. And it is a very legitimate one. There is no protocol on how to handle potentially virus contaminated mail. Canada Post does not give 2 hoots about the safety and well being of its employees. I worked there for 30 years. Trying to stop mail delivery from an employee safety point of view isn’t going to get you anywhere. Cough on the mail and hand it to someone and see how they react!
My daughter is an employee of Canada Post (15+ years)…she works inside the building…tonight she is gone in to work overtime (8 pm to 6 am)….she is the type of person who enjoys working but lately not so much….she is also the person who catches EVERYTHING that is on the go….from Scarlet fever (as a child). SARS, H1N1 (just to name a few)…her immune system is shot..but she HAS to go to work!!! That’s dedication!!! So why in the hell is Canada Post NOT looking out to THEIR employees during this deadly outbreak..???? I am appalled and terrified at the same time…this isn’t the Dark Ages…get off of your fat fannies and SHOW your employees some respect….at the very least PROTECT THEM!!!!!!!!!
I work as an inside assistant in a station, last week another employee and I were the only ones with masks/gloves on in the whole station… we actually got the key for the storeroom and brought out the masks that were being stored away from the employees… I had pneumonia last summer and dont plan on spending all of next week in the station regardless of what Cpc says but I def feel the pressure of not showing up for work bc the supervisors don’t actually confirm how/if we will be paid and for how long…I also feel like Im letting my fellow employees down by trying to be careful with my health.. I am immune suppressed and constantly picking up colds and flu bugs… this would be a health disaster if I had to fight this virus.
In the parcel and flyer processing plant in Mississauga, it was announced that all workers who are under self isolation by the local health authority, are being asked to return to work as of monday so long as they or their families do not show any signs of the virus. So, for those who have practiced social distancing and use the PPE that are provided, are now going to be working side be side with high risk people. And for 12 hours per day, as they are offering some sections 4 hours a day overtime into the next shift. 4 people working on a 3’×4′ cage of mail. What does Trudeau think of this? Crickets!
Correction to the editor, canada post has been called “essential to the continuation of the economy, when the last two governments have passed back to work legislation. However, your reference that they are essential services is incorrect. The government will not deem them an essential service. Thus the reason there was a strike almost 2 years ago and the corporation locked its workforce out in 2011.
When does Canada Post ever deliver on the Health and Safety front? NEVER! And its getting pretty bad when employees are washing down their own cases, work stations, etc.And yes, Management of CPC is not taking it as serious as they are portraying to the Public.As usual SHAME ON CANADA POST.
The Vancouver Richmond Pacific Mail and Parcel Processing Plant was dirty from Day 1 when it opened 7 years ago. Post Construction dust and trash were never cleaned properly. That filth has only thickened over the years of 24/7 operations.
The Plant the second largest in the country processes the bulk of packets and parcels from China. Since Covid 19 became a health crisis, Canada Post has not made masks available. Their excuses include masks are out of stock to masks are only for those who are sick.
90+ percent of the packets and parcels we process are non essentials, fashion wear, toys, shoes, cosmetics, and electronics.
If Canada Post is serious about helping stop the virus, it should shut down operations completely for 2 to 4 weeks at the minimum. Before it’s too late.
It’s not just about keeping Canada Post safe, it bigger than that, our families, our neighborhoods and our cities.
The need to do something to protect the workers. This is crazy that barely anything has changed. They are asking people to social distance yet Canada post workers are expected to go on as if nothing is going on, what about their health, the health of their families they go home to. Something needs to change and fast. I think the union should start to put up a fight about it being an unsafe work place.
Here’s the bottom line CPC only preaches about health and safety because they want to keep their insurance premiums down. They could care less about yours mine or the rest of Canada’s health. if they did they would shut down now. They are only driven by the bottom line.
OPG not doing much bettter
Doesn’t make sense Ford is asking everybody to be in isolation so we are my kids and myself, but my husband is outside delivering mail. Whats the point tu put us in isolation when you have someone going to work and in danger to catch the Covid 19. So all family that have a member working at Canada Post are not doing what Ford and Trudeau are asking even if we really take that seriously. Why put the life of family when we know the best thing is to STAY HOME…
The Union is literally useless and powerless. They are not what they once were. I would never go to them for help..,I would rather fight my own battle. Have you heard the Union President speak? He is not exactly an intelligent man. Our Union is truly an embarrassment now.
I will be honest…I have sneezed numerous times in the last week while delivering mail. I did my best to sneeze away but without a microscope I can’t tell you where my droplets landed. I’m sure this goes for many many many other carriers out there. Sneezing and coughing happens.
Hopefully the general public will see that Canada Posts Failure to shut down (during one of the worst pandemic viruses in the worlds history) could potentially affect not only its employees, but the public throughout contaminated mail,parcels, mailboxes etc
…..or even through our family members that we may bring it home to if you happen to come into contact with them.
This is a chain reaction and NO ONE has immunity to it.
Stop Canada Post now from risking our health and stop the potential loss of lives. It’s only mail. Put it all in perspective.
I urge people to contact their local MPs, Premiers, City Mayors, federal level MPs, newspapers and Canada Post to have this addressed before it’s too late.
There is strength in numbers. Let’s use our collective Canadian voices and save lives.
Time is of the essence and time is not on our side. Take action on Monday if you are home and looking to help….let’s work together to help keep us and our loved ones safe.
STOP THE MAIL…STOP THE SPREAD
I am an inside assistant as well who has been off work for the last 7 working days due to a tenacious cough aggravated by asthma. I have been under a doctor’s care and use inhalers frequently as well as some other medications at the moment. I dont have any other symptoms of COVID19 and am terrified of having to return to work before this pandemic has passed. My husband is in his 70’s and has underlying health conditions as well.
As everyone on this page has already said, the working conditions are RIPE for rampant spread of the virus. The depots are filthy…..nothing EVER cleaned. How can this be communicated to our political leaders because we know the CPC has little concern for employees’ safety?
Newspaper article???
Social distancing is not being practised by many within the facilities as many people are
Not taking this virus seriously. It is also never enforced in the Canada Post facilities. It feels like business as usual.
I urge our local, provincial and federal
Government to come and spend a day at work with us and let them experience how scared
And vulnerable we feel (those of who realize the severity of this) Let them see firsthand that what they are urging to flatten the curve is not happening across the entire country in Canada Post facilities. The magnitude of the potential spread from Canada Post employees alone could be unimaginable.
If it is deemed safe enough for us to work then I ask that they come for a visit and see things first hand.
And make sure you get the color done ( flyer section) it’s virtually impossible to have 6ft distance from other workers no matter what, some workers have taken a black marker and wrote “6 ft please ” on there backs , every time workers ask questions supervisors listen then superintendant tell them to stop be disruptive, not to mention local union executives flew yes flew to Edmonton last weekend for union educational and now are selt quarintined , between Managment and Union I feel doomed , like someone else commented just get the product out no matter the cost to people.
I am sooooo glad people are talking about this!!
It’s no different here in BC and my husband and I are terrified every day. We have 3 kids- 2 of which are at risk-1 immunocompromised from cancer, 1 with bad asthma.
They don’t provide gloves or masks- they say it doesn’t stay on surfaces at all to this day, even though we damn well know it does! 3 days for plastic and steel, 1 day for cardboard (!!), and 30 minutes airborne. Come on!! What is this crap? When they were still forcing signatures and trying to do a restructure in the midst of this, while every other carrier had its employees go contactless, he was given back his pen wet…wet… wtf?!! I had my immunocompromised son stay with someone else in a nearby city. I am too scared for him. But it hurts not having him. I want him home!
I was finally able to find gloves and masks on my own for my husband because, again, CP has given NONE. Large meetings, close working conditions, dirty, no masks, no gloves and freakin taxis!
They are letting some use their vehicles now but his isn’t one of them but he requires two taxis. I have tried to take him as many times as possible but the two drives are a few hours apart and that means dragging all the kids in and being close to him when he is like that without sanitizing at home first.
But Friday, he took a taxi and after he put his satchel in the trunk, got in, the driver started coughing and clearly was losing their voice. Are you kidding me? This is so unsafe! And he was stuck because he was already in there with his mail in the trunk. Oh, and he has doctor offices on his route. At least they are more empty now because that was freaking him out as well.
Canada Post has demonstrated over and over that they do not care about their employees but Canadians have assumed it’s some cushy job (Good God, no.. if we had any other option out in this small town…) but now maybe in this crisis some people may see them for how it truly is.
Because it’s not just the workers and our families- it’s all of you! No gloves… and no masks.. and taxis… there is nowhere to wash hands or go to the bathroom, eat, etc. How sanitary do you think your mail is by the time it gets to you? A lot of people have touched it and nothing is being sanitized. Your mail carrier is not safe. Be wary of your mail.
Our only way to contract this (we have been in full lockdown for over a week) is through Canada Post. And if a postie gets it and doesn’t know for days, how many people do you think they may infect? Parcels, mail, Community Mail Box handles? For all the people making such sacrifices, it could be all for not if it’s gets spread like wildfire from Canada Post. All it takes is one postie to get it without knowing…. close quarters, so all their coworkers… their mail, you…
Shame on Canada Post.
I am sooooo glad people are talking about this!!
It’s no different here in BC and my husband and I are terrified every day. We have 3 kids- 2 of which are at risk-1 immunocompromised from cancer, 1 with bad asthma.
They don’t provide gloves or masks- they say it doesn’t stay on surfaces at all to this day, even though we damn well know it does! 3 days for plastic and steel, 1 day for cardboard (!!), and 30 minutes airborne. Come on!! What is this crap? When they were still forcing signatures and trying to do a restructure in the midst of this, while every other carrier had its employees go contactless, he was given back his pen wet…wet… wtf?!! I had my immunocompromised son stay with someone else in a nearby city. I am too scared for him. But it hurts not having him. I want him home!
I was finally able to find gloves and masks on my own for my husband because, again, CP has given NONE. Large meetings, close working conditions, dirty, no masks, no gloves and freakin taxis!
They are letting some use their vehicles now but his isn’t one of them but he requires two taxis. I have tried to take him as many times as possible but the two drives are a few hours apart and that means dragging all the kids in and being close to him when he is like that without sanitizing at home first.
But Friday, he took a taxi and after he put his satchel in the trunk, got in, the driver started coughing and clearly was losing their voice. Are you kidding me? This is so unsafe! And he was stuck because he was already in there with his mail in the trunk. Oh, and he has doctor offices on his route. At least they are more empty now because that was freaking him out as well.
Canada Post has demonstrated over and over that they do not care about their employees but Canadians have assumed it’s some cushy job (Good God, no.. if we had any other option out in this small town…) but now maybe in this crisis some people may see them for how it truly is.
Because it’s not just the workers and our families- it’s all of you! No gloves… and no masks.. and taxis… there is nowhere to wash hands or go to the bathroom, eat, etc. How sanitary do you think your mail is by the time it gets to you? A lot of people have touched it and nothing is being sanitized. Your mail carrier is not safe. Be wary of your mail.
Our only way to contract this (we have been in full lockdown for over a week) is through Canada Post. And if a postie gets it and doesn’t know for days, how many people do you think they may infect? Parcels, mail, Community Mail Box handles? For all the people making such sacrifices, it could be all for not if it’s gets spread like wildfire from Canada Post. All it takes is one postie to get it without knowing…. close quarters, so all their coworkers… their mail, you…
Get mad.
Shame on Canada Post.
Sounds like someone paid people to kill Canada Post.Amazon delivers 7 days a week !from 7 am till 10pm and nothing about it ?Canada Post is loosing money like crazy and closing down for a month would cost 20 000 Canadian jobs or more .Some lazy co workers look for any chance not to work .Sick time at CPC is already sky high .Nobody is forcing you to work if you feel unsafe.I work on Health and Safety (LJOSH) in CPC on CUPW side.We forced CPC to make many changes that is why some of you sound like paid by UPS or Amazon just to kill Canadian jobs.Number of lazy customers that just sit at home and order sh…t that will never be used is so high.Friend og my just loaded full van of returns to Amazon today just from one RPO (Post Office in a SDM)
CUPW President is Female so you do not work for CPC ! stop misinformation
We are ignored the all mighty dollar is the ONLY THING CANADA POST cares about!!
Shut down before we deliver the virus to all Canadians!!!
In Thunder Bay many people are working in close proximity. The morning rush is a crowded scene, people close together and coming and going in all directions. We are sharing sorting cases which do not get sterilized before the next worker jumps in to sort. We touch many pieces of equipment which is touched by many others in a short period of time. We are delivering mail into businesses one of which a customer casually told me he returned from out of country and refuses to stay at home. Mail should be left outside the business but we are told to bring it in. We are being forced to deliver admail flyers. Not doing so could result in suspension. This increases how many more things we touch in the building, means we have to touch every single customer’s mailbox, and spend extra uneccessary time together preparing our flyers in close proximity at the end of our work day together again touching more shared equipment. The end of last week they finally put out some hand sanitizer and gloves. Monday morning the bottle was empty and there was a disagreement over who should replace it, supervisors or cleaners. I got the last pair of medium gloves that were out. We get no portable hand sanitizer to take with us on our route where we see many people, and touch many things with no place to wash hands. All my washrooms on my route today were closed for safety reaaons. I’m hoarding a small bottle I had leftover from my trip in January. I’m not looking for sympathy. I’m looking for a solution. When will Canada Post stop us from delivering non essential admail, restrict us from going into businesses and have owners put a box outside their door, provide proper sanitary measures and enforce social distancing inside. Feel free to share. Maybe someone with decision making powers can help.
If your parcel is missing and you try to get in touch with CPC you will be told “we are experiencing an unanticipated high volume of calls”. Every day it’s unanticipated. About time someone did some anticipating. Next time use Fedex.
lazy workers thats how you can describe canadapost employees