The Canadian Union of Postal Workers objects to the decision of the CLC to join with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to support the appointment of Bill Morneau to the position of OECD Secretary-General. In our view Mr. Morneau’s actions as Finance Minister demonstrated that he is exactly the wrong type of person to head any important international organization.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers stands in solidarity with striking healthcare workers and against the anti-labour government of Jason Kenney and its bid to deeply slash jobs, erode working conditions, and trample union rights. In the midst of the worst pandemic in a century, health workers have tirelessly provided the care needed to the Alberta population. The Kenney government’s plans to eliminate 11,000 unionized healthcare positions, outsourcing them to the private sector, will have the opposite effect, leaving Albertans more vulnerable, and crippling an already fragile economy.
CUPW stands in solidarity with the Mi'kmaq lobster fishers asserting their treaty right to fish for a moderate livelihood. CUPW also condemns the hurtful and hateful actions by some non-Indigenous fishers and their allies. Indigenous people are asserting their legal and traditional rights to fish, should not be met with violence and hate.
This Monday, September 7, is Labour Day a time for organized labour to be seen, heard, and united. We celebrated with workers of the world on May 1 – international workers' day – and in September we have a statutory holiday which, for us, holds much the same meaning. Labour Day has been a holiday in Canada since 1894. We encourage members across the country to participate in local events that show workers' collective strength, advocate for better rights and protections, and celebrate our achievements.
Last week, the United Conservative Party government of Jason Kenney introduced Bill 32, the Restoring Balance in Alberta’s Workplaces Act. It’s a massive omnibus bill that amends six different labour and employment relations acts. Don’t be fooled by the title of the Bill, it is, without a doubt, an attack on workers and unions to the benefit of corporations and the rich.
Ignite Change! Global Assembly of Workers Aims to Create Big Transition! Workers the world over are disrespected in a race to the bottom. Now, we are assembling virtually, together across the planet to develop far-reaching changes that favour sustainability for workers, our communities and the planet in the post-COVID world. Enough is enough. Everyone is invited to take part!
Over the last five years, CUPW developed Delivering Community Power – a unique and powerful vision that is at the centre of a sustainable postal system. Other unions around the world now look to this vision for inspiration. After hearing the proposed changes and policies included in CUPW’s Delivering Community Power, Canada Post has begun to take this project seriously.
When COVID-19 abates, there will be a great struggle over what policies and ideas take centre-stage. The public is certainly grateful to frontline workers right now – whether they are cleaners, couriers, medical dispatchers, postal workers, health care workers, or others on the frontlines. We must leverage this support to demand policies from governments that will actually help our society and working people.
This May Day we continue the struggle for justice. No matter where we come from, what we look like, or what we do, we all deserve to have our health and safety ensured at work. We must continue to demand governments and employers move towards social and ecological sustainability, where all are considered and cared for fairly– a way of living collectively where resources are shared in an equitable, peaceful and sustainable way.
Everywhere postal workers are delivering under poor conditions. It’s been over 100 years since we delivered during a pandemic. Yet, workers continue to defend themselves and support health care workers. There is a lot more happening in locals than are included here.
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.