On March 24, 2021, the House of Commons voted to designate August 1st as Emancipation Day to commemorate the slavery abolition act of 1833, which took effect in 1834 and paved the way for the liberation of over 800,000 enslaved Black people across the “British Empire”, including parts of the Caribbean, Africa, South America and Canada.
As we observe Black History Month, we take this opportunity to reflect on the invaluable contributions of Black individuals to the labour movement and our society at large. Black history is deeply intertwined with the story of worker solidarity, equity, and justice — values that are important to us as union members.
Black History Month is a time to celebrate and reflect on the important contributions of Black people to various fields. One of these fields is hockey, where Black athletes have significantly contributed to the sport. Despite facing significant barriers, Black hockey players have persevered and excelled making their mark on the game.
In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada following a motion introduced by Dr. Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament. The House of Commons carried the motion unanimously.
Emancipation Day is the day when the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 became law across the British Empire, including Canada. On August 1, 1834, the practice of slavery officially ended for millions of African people and their descendants in Canada and around the world.
In addition to the United Nations recognition starting in 2015 to 2024, the Internal Decade for People of African Descent, we will be celebrating across the country the 34th Black History month. The theme is February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day.
Poster: Black History Month 2021: The Work Isn’t OverSince our country officially recognized February as Black History Month in 1995, governments, organizations and individuals have used this month to honour the traditions, accomplishments, heritage and culture of Black people, as well as educate people about Black history.
February is a time to raise awareness of the Black History in our country and around the world that has been historically overlooked, minimized, ignored, or erased. Each year, our National Human Rights Committee’ issues a commemorative poster. This year, the poster brings to light some of Ontario’s Black history and how Black workers and neighbours have shaped, and continue to shape, the province that we know today.
At the end of January, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) was present at the unveiling of a commemorative stamp featuring Albert Jackson — Canada's first black letter carrier — more than 100 years after his death.
February is Black History Month. Throughout this month we celebrate the heritage, traditions, achievements, and culture of people of African descent and diaspora. It’s been officially recognized by the federal government since 1995. Each year CUPW honours an individual, place or story of African heritage.
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.
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.
Last week, postal workers decisively rejected Canada Post’s “best and final offers” in the government-forced vote. With a turnout of over 80%, nearly 70% of our members told Canada Post, “No, these offers won’t do it!”
Every employer in the Federal and Provincial sector has been watching us. Rejecting these offers was a victory not only for our Union, but for the labour movement as a whole.
To all CUPW members,
Thank you for showing up, for standing together, and for participating in the government forced vote. Regardless of how you voted, your participation was an act of solidarity and strength. And for those who voted to reject the final offers, your decision sent a powerful message: “We know our worth, and we deserve better”.
After almost two weeks of voting, the results are now in: CUPW members in both bargaining units have spoken, and they have rejected Canada Post’s global offers.
We’ve now entered the second and final week of the government-imposed forced vote on Canada Post’s “final” offers. As of July 28, 69 % of Urban members and 71.4 % of RSMC members have already casted their vote. Voting continues until 5 pm EST on August 1.
On March 24, 2021, the House of Commons voted to designate August 1st as Emancipation Day to commemorate the slavery abolition act of 1833, which took effect in 1834 and paved the way for the liberation of over 800,000 enslaved Black people across the “British Empire”, including parts of the Caribbean, Africa, South America and Canada.
On July 23, Canada Post shared some information about its “final” offers and the vote that is currently underway with members. Information was shared via email as well as distributed in some workplaces.