“It always seems to be impossible, until it’s done” is a quote largely attributed to Nelson Mandela. Research suggests the quote or an altered version is actually over 2,000 years old and has been used as inspiration to fight for a better future. The problems are real. Our solutions are sound and now is the time for action in the streets, in our workplaces and in our communities to deliver results. This Action Plan is a blueprint to build a stronger CUPW, a mobilized membership and more vibrant and environmentally friendly communities.
Every four years, delegates from across the country gather for five days to decide on the future direction of CUPW. We set policies, decide on the operation of the union and elect National and Regional leadership.
However, it’s so much more. Delegates representing the diversity of the membership set the tone and spirit to do the impossible for our jobs, our workplaces and our communities.
A record number of women also elected to the National Executive Committee
OTTAWA – The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has elected Jan Simpson, a postal worker from the Scarborough local, as the union’s new National President. She becomes the first black woman to lead a national union in Canada. Julee Sanderson from the Saskatoon local was elected 1st National Vice-President. Bev Collins was re-elected as National Secretary-Treasurer.
Support Postal Banking - Download and Sign the Petition
Canada needs a postal bank. Thousands of rural towns and villages in our country do not have a bank, but many of them have a post office that could provide financial services. As well, nearly two million Canadians desperately need an alternative to payday lenders. A postal bank could be that alternative. Download and sign the petition urging the Government of Canada to instruct Canada Post to add postal banking, with a mandate for financial inclusion.
Tomorrow, August 20, your Negotiating Committee will return to the bargaining table to present new global offers for both postal bargaining units to Canada Post.
Unfortunately, our scheduled meetings for Friday, August 15th and Monday, August 18th, have been postponed. The Federal mediators will not be able to assist CUPW and CPC due to their current involvement in the Air Canada negotiations.
This September, CUPW joins its Malayali brothers and sisters with joy and pride to observe Onam celebrations in Canada. Onam is one of the most significant regional festivals celebrated in Kerala, the southernmost state of India.
After pressing the Employer to come back to the bargaining table early last week, we received a response from Canada Post CEO Doug Ettinger on Friday evening, just hours after we posted Bulletin 128, “CUPW is Waiting for Canada Post.” In his letter, Mr. Ettinger stuck to the lines we’ve heard from Canada Post for many months now.
A week ago, CUPW members spoke loudly and rejected what Canada Post called its “best and final” offers. The goal of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers remains negotiating ratifiable collective agreements which meet postal workers’ needs, help grow the current services provided by a public post office and to better serve Canadians with new services.