Manulife Financial Invading Member's Privacy

February 19, 2008  -  09:00

Health and Safety / Our Health Our Safety

Volume 5 • Issue 3 • Winter 2007-2008

On July 1, 2007, Canada Post replaced Medisys with Manulife as its “disability management” provider. Regardless of whether the corporation uses Medisys or Manulife, the aim of these companies is the same: to act in Canada Post's interest.

There is nothing to indicate that Manulife's mandate is to help employees, despite its claims to the contrary. Canada Post uses disability management as the process by which an injured or sick worker who has taken leave to recover is eventually reintegrated into the workplace, sometimes on modified duties.

Canada Post disability management includes claims management, return to work facilitation and absence management.

The collective Agreement

Canada Post has contracted out disability management, part of its management responsibilities, to Manulife Financial. Canada Post still holds the ultimate responsibility for any actions taken by Manulife toward its employees. Nothing has changed in terms of how the collective agreement applies. Any violation of the collective agreement by Manulife Financial is automatically a violation by the employer and subject to grievance as set out in the collective agreement.

Grievances

Manulife cannot discipline or otherwise importune you because you are or were on leave. Filing a grievance is an invaluable way to take on Manulife's and Canada Post's actions.  

If Manulife calls you at home, you should immediately file a grievance under clause 5.02.You have the right to refuse to participate in an interview unless you have received the proper notice…

 DUTIES OF THE FIRST VICE - PRESIDENT

7.1       The Local First Vice-President shall ;

a)                  Be an elected officer and voting member of the Executive Committee.

b)                  Assist the Local President in the performance of duties.

c)                  Replace the President in the latter`s absence, and exercise full power.

d)                  Chair in the absence, or at the request of the President.

e)                  Sign cheques along with the Secretary-Treasurer in the President`s absence.

f)                    In the event of a vacancy in the office of President, assume the duties of the President until such time as the Local

           elects a President to the vacancy.

g)                  Be responsible for coordinating the Health and Safety Committee(s) and direct their work.

h)                  Be responsible for all Health and Safety Committee(s) at all work sites.

i)                    Be responsible for coordinating the Workers Compensation Committee and direct their work.

j)                    In conjunction with the Second Vice-President, be responsible for the Human Rights Committee and investigations

            pertaining to Human Rights issues.