Greetings Sisters, Brothers, Friends: The majority of provinces and territories have closed licensed child care services because of the COVID pandemic. This means that many postal workers lost access to their regular child care arrangements, but are still required to work. Provinces and territories have set up “emergency child care” for designated workers. The list of designated workers is different in every province/territory and is changing daily. Some provinces/territories list postal workers as eligible, while others do not.
On January 19, CUPW launched The Warehouse Workers Centre - Peel. Located in Brampton, it’s a place for workers to gather, access resources, get training, and organize. The centre hosts workshops on worker rights, health and safety, and organizing skills. It’s also helping workers by guiding them through EI and CERB applications, getting access to WSIB, and dealing with bad bosses. https://www.warehouseworkers.ca/
OTTAWA – CUPW and the Foodsters are shocked to hear about Foodora’s decision to leave the Canadian market. The two-weeks’ notice that has been provided is grossly unfair and unreasonable. We call on Foodora and the Federal Government to ensure that workers and food couriers be protected.
Because of the uncertainty around government measures to confine Canadians, it is necessary to postpone the Union Education Program for now. The upcoming session was scheduled to take place in October and November 2020, then in February and March 2021.
Earth Day has been observed around the world for 50 years each April 22. CUPW and its members are proud to stand for the rights of workers and their loved ones. In the past, CUPW and its allies have made it clear that we are at a crossroads: our climate must be a priority. We cannot let our planet be exploited and destroyed anymore.
You may have heard by now the PSAC-UPCE and Canada Post have reached a tentative agreement. We do not know the details of this agreement, other than it is a four year agreement expiring in August 2024. Canada Post talks a lot about improving collaboration. Why won’t it start by negotiating with CUPW?
During this COVID-19 pandemic, we are continuing to work on the issues related to the National Grievance number N00-10-00001. We are also virtually meeting with CPC to resolve the grievances associated with this National Grievance.
The National Day of Mourning, held annually on April 28, is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness on the job. This annual event was initiated by the labour movement 36 years ago to increase awareness of on-the-job injuries and fatal workplace accidents. This day of remembrance was officially recognized by the federal government in 1991, six years after it was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) in 1985.
One of the terrible effects of COVID-19 is that it has led to a growth in reported cases of domestic violence. Shelters in Canada are reporting growing needs. In France, there are reports that gender based-violence has increased by a shocking 36%. In British Columbia, the Battered Women’s Support Services organization has reported a 300% increase in calls to their crisis line!
TO OUR MEMBERS: MAIN CRITERIA OF ELIGIBILITY: ONLY FOR WORKERS WHO DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO PAID LEAVE - The CERB is a temporary income support for workers who have ceased working or who are earning less than $1000 per month due to COVID-19 and do not have access to paid leave. It provides a monthly benefit of $2,000 for workers who have been out of work for 14 consecutive days in any four-week period for reasons relating to COVID-19 or have seen a loss or serious reduction in work related to COVID-19.
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.
One of the terrible effects of COVID-19 is that it has led to a growth in reported cases of domestic violence. Shelters in Canada are reporting growing needs. In France, there are reports that gender based-violence has increased by a shocking 36%. In British Columbia, the Battered Women’s Support Services organization has reported a 300% increase in calls to their crisis line!
TO OUR MEMBERS: MAIN CRITERIA OF ELIGIBILITY: ONLY FOR WORKERS WHO DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO PAID LEAVE - The CERB is a temporary income support for workers who have ceased working or who are earning less than $1000 per month due to COVID-19 and do not have access to paid leave. It provides a monthly benefit of $2,000 for workers who have been out of work for 14 consecutive days in any four-week period for reasons relating to COVID-19 or have seen a loss or serious reduction in work related to COVID-19.
In these unprecedented times, everywhere, postal workers deliver, showing once again the crucial role we have in keeping the country going. We matter, and, as always, the struggle continues. Workplace dignity does not arise by wishful thinking, but rather, by sticking together to take measures that protect us all.
Our public postal service is as vital as ever, delivering essential goods and keeping the economy moving. It helps enable quarantine and self-isolation. Together we will #flattenthecurve.
As noted in our April 6, 2020 bulletin (Bulletin #110), three categories of permanent postal workers will finally get access to quarantine leave. At the start of the COVID-19 crisis, it took time to figure out all the different risks that people may have relative to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Canada Post takes its cue from the Federal Government to extend leave provisions for workers beyond the April 10, 2020 deadline. Responding to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Canada Post is directing supervisors to approve paid Special Leave for postal workers needing to be home with children because of school and child care closures. This also applies to members who have to step in to provide care for elderly parents.
OTTAWA - The Canadian Union of Postal Workers is concerned that a new distribution deal may be rewarding Amazon Canada for creating stressful, precarious jobs; ignoring workers’ demands for health and safety; and interfering with their right to unionize.
On April 6, we’ve confirmed a change in Canada Post Corporation’s (CPC) practice for:
Workers over 70,
Pregnant workers, and
Immune-suppressed/High-risk workers.
Minister Morneau, I am writing on behalf of over 50,000 postal workers, including Foodora couriers, whom we’ve filed an application to represent, and in support of the thousands of gig-economy delivery workers who have been deemed essential during the current COVID-19 pandemic. We call on the Federal Government to extend the Canada Emergency Response Benefit Act (CERB) to all workers who have seen a reduction or elimination or work due to the COVID-19 pandemic.