CUPW Collective Agreement FAQs: 2026 Updates

by Grace Chen

RSMC Pay System update: Hourly Rates, Schedules, and Worker Protections Confirmed

A new hourly pay system for RSMCs will ensure continued payment for all scheduled hours, even if routes are completed ahead of schedule, according to recently released details.The update also clarifies policies regarding work schedules, temporary worker opportunities, and cost of living adjustments.

Guaranteed Pay for Scheduled Hours

Under the new system,rsmcs will continue to receive compensation for all hours outlined in their Schedule A,regardless of route completion time. “RSMCs will continue to be paid for all hours scheduled in their Schedule A, even in cases where they complete their route earlier then scheduled,” a senior official stated. Moreover, any additional hours worked – either on the assigned route or by covering another – will be paid at the appropriate rate, which might potentially be regular or premium depending on the schedule and total hours.

Did you know? – RSMCs will be compensated for all hours on their Schedule A,even if routes are finished early. This ensures consistent income regardless of route efficiency.

Fixed Schedules and Workload Assessments

The new guidelines establish a firm stance on schedule changes for those on a variable work week. Supervisors will not be permitted to alter an employee’s weekly schedule once it’s been set. While daily hours may vary, the overall weekly commitment remains fixed.

An example schedule provided illustrates this structure:

  • monday: 9 hours
  • Tuesday: 8 hours
  • Wednesday: 8 hours
  • Thursday: 8 hours
  • Friday: 7 hours
  • Total: 40 hours

“Your supervisor will not have the right to change your daily schedule based on workload or volume of the day,” the document emphasizes. However, provisions are in place to address situations where workload assessments are inaccurate. If an RSMC consistently works more than 5% over their scheduled hours for four consecutive weeks (excluding December), they can request a route verification, mirroring the process outlined in Article 50 of the urban unit collective agreement.

Opportunities for Temporary Workers

The draft collective agreement offers promising developments for temporary workers within the urban unit. The agreement aims to increase opportunities for temporary employees to secure regular positions, complete with guaranteed hours, participation in pension plans, and access to social benefits.

New part-time roles – specifically unstructured part-time positions and part-time parcel delivery positions (LCTP) – will be filled based on seniority. Temporary workers interested in these positions will be able to apply.

Cost of Living Allowance (IVC) Remains in Place

Concerns regarding the cost of living allowance (IVC) have been addressed. Contrary to speculation, the IVC has not been eliminated. “we have not agreed to remove the IVC. The clause targeting IVC remains in

Reader question – How will the new system affect RSMCs who consistently exceed their scheduled hours due to high workload? Share your thoughts.

…place. Tho, a significant change has been made to how cost of living adjustments will be handled in the future. The IVC, as a separate payment, has been suspended. This decision stems from the expectation that scheduled salary increases over the next three to five years will adequately offset inflation. Future negotiations will integrate cost of living increases directly into the salary rate, a departure from the previous system of IVC payments.

Pro tip – The IVC is suspended, but future salary negotiations will include cost of living adjustments. Stay informed about upcoming contract talks.

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