In recent days, the number of workers testing positive for COVID-19 at the Gateway East facility in Mississauga has greatly increased. Public health authorities have ordered that all shift #3 employees are to self-isolate. These employees will receive paid quarantine leave. All shift #2 employees will have to be tested for COVID-19 or self-isolate for 14 days.
The number of people infected with COVID-19 is increasing across the country. In many communities, healthcare systems are overwhelmed, health care workers are at their breaking point, and available ICU beds in hospitals are in very short supply. While two vaccines have been approved by Health Canada, the rollout will take time and, and it may be months before postal workers have access to them. The threat to our health has never been greater, and it is imperative for all postal workers to follow COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Wear your mask properly, maintain physical distancing, wash and sanitize your hands, and if you feel sick, stay home.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers is aware that numerous members have tested positive for COVID-19 at the Gateway facility in the Peel Region of Ontario. We understand that many of our members are worried about their health and safety. We are currently investigating, and are in contact with Canada Post Corporation and public health authorities. Peel Public Health is currently conducting rapid testing at the facility.
On January 11th, the United States put Cuba back on their list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, having removed it from the list in 2015 as part of an agreement between the nations to restore diplomatic relations. CUPW condemns this move.
This winter, we will still have to deal with periods of intense cold like in previous years, with the added challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the milder temperatures experienced to date in the southernmost parts of Canada, we have to be prepared for the extreme cold weather to come and the added complexity of working outdoors with personal protective equipment (PPE), which may increase the risk of frostbite if proper preventive measures are not followed. Take steps to protect yourself and encourage your co-workers to do the same.
The CUPW National Constitution sets the basic dues rate for Urban Operations workers at 300% of the maximum hourly rate for the lowest classification within the bargaining unit. RSMC dues have been set at 1.71% of the wage portion received by each member, to a maximum equal to the dues for Urban Operation members.
We celebrate Tamil heritage each January, as the federal government expressed it, “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.”
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.
In the midst of the ongoing postal strike, it’s easy to feel disheartened. The pressure of public opinion, financial strain, and relentless pushback can make even the most steadfast among us question this fight. But this is the time to pause and remember why this strike matters. This isn’t just about pay or benefits—it’s about fairness, dignity, and the recognition that the work you do is important to communities across the country.
Today, CUPW successfully challenged the temporary layoff notices that Canada Post improperly issued to approximately 328 striking CUPW members in November 2024.
In our most recent proposals to Canada Post, the Union addressed many issues the Employer had first brought to the bargaining table. Far from trying to “widen the gap in negotiations,” the Union’s intention is to help the parties come to negotiated agreements. CUPW wants nothing more than for its members to have good collective agreements, with their rights protected.
Please note: This information contained in this bulletin about the RAMQ only applies to CUPW members living in the Province of Quebec.
On November 15, Canada Post suspended the Extended Health Care Plan (the “EHCP”), including prescription drug coverage. Therefore, as of this date, Canada Post employees who do not have access to another plan find themselves without drug insurance coverage.
This afternoon, December 9, the Urban and Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers Negotiations Committees met directly with Canada Post to present revised proposals in response to the Corporation’s latest proposals.
The public post office distributes government cheques that are a vital part of the social safety net. We do not want pensioners and people who rely on government assistance to suffer during the current work disruption. The most vulnerable members of our society should not be caught in the crosshairs of our contract dispute with Canada Post.
Today, the National Executive Board finalized the Union’s latest counter proposals for the Urban, RSMC and combined demands. CUPW Negotiators quickly forwarded the new proposals to the Special Mediator.
The Union has been ready to return to the mediation process since it was suspended by the Government’s Special Mediator. As such, our counter proposals contain movement on both our demands and Employer demands to help bring the parties closer to an agreement.
Today, December 3, the National Executive Board met to update the Union’s response to Canada Post’s “comprehensive framework” provided on December 1, 2024.
Our response focuses on four key issues, which we need to see addressed if we are to achieve negotiated collective agreements.
Today, CUPW Negotiators carefully reviewed the Corporation’s December 1st “comprehensive framework” documents which contain Canada Post’s latest adjustments to their demands.
On December 1, the Union received new “comprehensive framework” documents which provided the current position of Canada Post through the special mediator for both the Urban Operations and Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers bargaining units.