Ratification votes are happening across the country and several questions are being asked about different sections of the renewal agreement and the tentative MOAs between CUPW and CPC for the Urban and RSMC units.
The RSMC Clawback of PCI Payments
1. Question: Is it possible the PCI overpayments will be clawed back after the contract expires?
Answer: No. CPC has acknowledged that it is clear to them that they are “forgoing” the money that they feel they could have recuperated in relation with parcels paid and not delivered during the renewal of the collective agreement. This is consistent with our interpretation of point #7 of the RSMC MOA. CPC further stated that RSMC who are currently clawed-back some money for a reduction of PCI’S would see the recovery stopped at ratification and CPC would not go back and resume clawing back the presumed debt after the 2-year renewal. This commitment is enforceable in front of an arbitrator if CPC does otherwise. This protection, like all of the provisions in the tentative agreements, will only be activated if the tentative agreement is ratified.
2. Question: Why is the PCI clawback for RSMCs important to address now?
Answer: Because the clawback has started and many RSMCs will lose money if we wait. Due to the pandemic, parcel volumes greatly increased, and it is uncertain that the volumes will remain as high for the foreseeable future. In that context, a high number of RSMC risk seeing a reduction in PCI and therefore have significant amounts to reimburse. We need to stop this now!
Our Past Wage Experience
3. Question: Have our past wage increases kept up with the cost of living?
Answer: Yes. Following the merger of the bargaining units, the first urban collective agreement, took effect as of February 1, 1995. From February 1, 1995, to February 1, 2021, inflation increased 59.7%. During the same period wages of postal clerks/letter carriers/MSCs increased 71.0% and MAM11/VHE9 wages increased 76.7%.