News and Events

Every February is a chance for us to reflect on the connections between Black history and our engagement with the living present. It’s not just a month to reflect, and to educate, but also a time to consider the history we are now making, and make sure we take pride in our work for a better future.

Last year, the House of Commons voted to “recognize the contributions that Tamil-Canadians have made to Canadian society, the richness of the Tamil language and culture, and the importance of educating and reflecting upon Tamil heritage for future generations by declaring January, every year, Tamil Heritage Month.” The Tamil people are one of the oldest ethnic groups in the world and Tamil is the oldest written language in the world. Toronto is home to the largest Sri Lankan Tamil population outside Sri Lanka. Many Tamils migrated from Sri Lanka following the outbreak of a brutal civil war in the early 1980s, making Canada home to one of the largest Sri Lankan diasporas in the world.

Our National Executive Board has prepared this paper to facilitate a discussion with members – a discussion that will develop collective bargaining demands for the 2017-2018 negotiations. Currently the Urban Postal Operations unit (UPO) and the Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers (RSMCs) are under two distinct Collective Agreements (CAs). CUPW will eventually unify these units. Some sections below will lead to demands that either affect one CA or the other (should we not to gain unity in this round), or else create classification-specific language in a unified CA.

In the winter, parts of the country may be affected by extensive periods of extremely cold weather. Take steps to protect yourself and encourage your co-workers to do the same.