Question Period Note: Canada Post Corporation’s Mandatory Vaccination Practice and the arbitrator’s ruling on CUPW’s Cease and Desist Application

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About

Reference number:
PSPC-2021-QP-00066
Date received:
Dec 2, 2021
Organization:
Public Services and Procurement Canada
Name of Minister:
Tassi, Filomena (Hon.)
Title of Minister:
Minister of Public Services and Procurement

Issue/Question:

On December 1, 2021, Le Devoir published an article on the arbitrator’s ruling against the Cease and Desist application by the Canadian Postal Workers’ Union (CUPW) regarding Canada Post’s Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Practice.

Suggested Response:

  • Canada Post’s Mandatory Vaccination Practice came into effect on October 29, 2021, and all employees have been informed
    • This policy is in line with the federal government’s approach and involves all Canada Post employees including those working in a Canada Post facility and those working remotely
    • It was developed following a significant process of consultation and discussion with all employees’ bargaining agents, including the Canadian Union of Postal Workers
    • On November 15, 2021, Canadian Union of Postal Workers filed two national policy grievances and an application for a temporary cease-and-desist order
    • On November 25, Canada Post received a decision from the Arbitrator who ruled that Canada Post can proceed

If pressed on details of the cease-and-desist application ruling:

  • Canada Post respects the arbitration process and fully participated in the hearing, as did Canadian Union of Postal Workers
  • Any employee not in compliance with the practice after November 26, 2021 will be placed on Leave Without Pay
  • In the meantime, arbitration on the grievances will proceed further

Background:

Canada Post’s Mandatory Vaccination Practice came into effect on October 29, 2021, and all employees have been informed. The policy is in line with the federal government’s approach and was developed following a significant process of consultation and discussion with all bargaining agents, including the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.

Under the practice, all employees must attest to their vaccination status. After November 26, any employee who is not fully vaccinated, is partially vaccinated and not on their way to full vaccination, or is not being accommodated based on limited grounds, will be placed on leave without pay.

A hearing was held on Wednesday, November 24th after the CUPW filed an application for a temporary cease-and-desist order. Canada Post respects the arbitration process and fully participated in the hearing, as did CUPW.

On November 25, 2021, Canada Post has received a decision from Arbitrator Burkett regarding a cease-and-desist application filed by the CUPW. The Arbitrator has ruled that Canada Post can proceed with its current Mandatory Vaccine Practice. In the meantime, an arbitration regarding the Practice will proceed further.

Additional Information:

None