We are connected, every one of us, even if sometimes it does not feel that way as injustice and the noise of oppression remain in our world. Yet, since the dawn of human existence, we have gathered to share and celebrate the renewal and cycle of life.
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.
Remembering and Honouring Residential School Survivors
On September 30, we observe Orange Shirt Day, a movement that officially began in 2013 in British Columbia to commemorate the residential school experience, to witness and honour the healing journey of the survivors and their families, and to commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation.
Indigenous people urged for decades for a national solidarity day with Indigenous peoples. It is astonishing that it took until the 21st century to see this symbolic gesture. European settlers stole these territories through dishonesty and bad faith agreements. Ours is a society that, for generations, attempted to erase and assimilate these cultures, rather than recognize their contributions for a healthy and respectful society that honours all life. Every year we produce a poster developed by an Indigenous artist to honour this day and generations of Indigenous peoples sidelined by colonialism.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers commend the land defenders in Wet’suwet’en territory for their brave and noble stand against greed and destruction. We condemn the RCMP for trespassing on unceded territory and intimidating land defenders there. Costal Gaslink wants to build a 670 km pipeline through their territories and a pristine wilderness. Once again, land is given away to corporations to enrich shareholders and divide communities.
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.