To all Chairpersons and Members of Employment Insurance Boards of Referees

Subject: Potential Postal Disruption

We are writing to inform you of the possibility of a postal disruption. We have developed a contingency plan in order to maintain our operations in such an event a postal disruption may have an impact on the operations of Board of Referees Centres.

In the event of a postal disruption, hearings will be scheduled normally. If picketing activities occur at premises housing an EI Board Centre, the scheduled hearing may be relocated if it is possible to do so in a timely fashion. Board members will be contacted and advised accordingly.

If faced with a picket line that prevents access to the Board Centre, Board members, appellants and interested parties will make their own decision about crossing the picket line and their choice will be respected.

Board of Referees assistants will be directed to schedule the appeals as usual and will call you when the appeal dockets and cause lists are ready as you will have to pick them up at the Board Centre.

Lastly as members may experience some delay in receiving their per diem payments, you may consider opting for Direct Deposit. Please contact the Board of Referees Assistant if you would like to opt for Direct Deposit.

We will inform you as the situation develops.