Eighteen (18) CUPW members, working at the Saskatoon Mail Processing Plant have tested positive for COVID-19. Several of the members are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms, while others are experiencing severe symptoms.
I know I speak for all postal workers when I extend our wishes for a full and quick recovery to all these members.
How Did This Happen?
We believe that physical distancing protocols were not properly adhered to.
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic the Saskatoon CUPW Local has been very proactive in obtaining agreements from local management with respect to safety protocols including physical distancing. With the tremendous increase in volumes and the need for additional staff the requirement for physical distancing was not enforced by management. For example, the area for parcel sortation, known as “the bullpen”, was overstaffed.
Canada Post must prioritize physical distancing and this priority cannot be shifted to cram more people into work areas.