Letter sent to several newspapers in August and September 2006.

The recent phenomenon of rural and suburban mail carriers (RSMCs) refusing work they feel is unsafe has put a strain on Canada Post to deal with the refusals and continue to deliver mail in the affected communities. We apologize for any inconvenience that has resulted from having to change the delivery mode for some of our customers while we deal with the safety issues that have been raised. There are two specific issues: traffic safety relating to the danger other vehicles on the road present to our delivery employees; and ergonomics, resulting from repeated stretching to deposit mail in rural mailboxes.

As employees, RSMCs have a right to refuse work under the Canada Labour Code and Canada Post, as a responsible employer, has an obligation to provide a safe work environment for its employees. Added to that is the requirement under the Criminal Code of Canada for the corporation to respond to safety concerns raised by employees or face criminal charges.

Since last November, more than 300 RSMCs across Canada have raised health and safety concerns related to their work. In every instance a thorough review of the points of delivery identified as hazardous has been conducted and the necessary steps have been taken to make the situation safe for our employees. Discussions are held with the affected customers, their community leaders and Members of Parliament to ensure everyone is aware of the safety concerns being raised and the resolution being proposed to resolve the problem.

Every option is being considered to maintain the safe delivery of mail in rural and suburban Canada. Where possible, rural mailboxes are being moved to safe locations and delivery service is maintained. However, in some instances it is not possible to make the boxes safe and an alternate form of delivery is required to continue delivery in the community. Any form of centralized delivery is located as close as possible to peoples' homes. Canada Post delivers to more than 843,000 rural mailboxes across Canada and to date less than one per cent of these addresses have had their delivery mode changed due to health and safety issues.

Canada Post has engaged external experts in the fields of traffic safety, ergonomics and safety law to investigate the concerns with mail delivery to rural mailboxes. These experts will advise us on what is safe or unsafe and which potential solutions will resolve the issue.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has been consulted throughout the process and is aware of the safety issues that have been raised. It's true that Canada Post told rural and suburban mail drivers to stop driving on the wrong side of the road; not only is it dangerous, it's illegal. For the CUPW to suggest that drivers get out of their vehicles while delivering mail is senseless. If it's too dangerous to deliver to a rural mailbox, getting out of the car is even more dangerous!

Canada Post will continue to consult with affected customers to find a resolution that is well thought out and workable for everyone. At the end of the day, the safety of our employees is paramount.

Sincerely,

John Caines
Director,
Media Relations & Community Outreach
Canada Post, Ottawa
(613) 734-7675