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CUPW Strike 2
Sat, 2011-06-18 01:46
#1
CUPW Strike 2
Sat, 2011-06-18 01:51
#2
NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION IN SUPPORT OF CUPW LOCKED OUT WORKERS
Whereas the Harper Government is waging a full-out attack on workers' rights in Canada by implementing back-to-work legislation to end labour disputes; by abolishing defined-benefit pensions; by driving down wages; by cutting back sick-time benefits; and by rolling back women's rights, etc; and
Whereas the Canadian Union of Postal Workers is now under a nationwide lock-out, and are facing back-to-work legislation; and
Whereas the Canadian Auto Workers are on strike and facing back-to-work legislation;
Be it resolved that a National Day of Action of all Unions be organized immediately in communities to fight back in solidarity with the striking and locked-out unions to end Harper's attacks;
Be it further resolved that the New Brunswick Federation of Labour immediately call on all affiliates to support and participate in the National Day of Action;
Be it further resolved that New Brunswick Federation of Labour call on the CLC and all CLC affiliated unions to support and participate in the National Day of Action;
Be it further resolved that the National Day of Action be no later than June 23, 2011;
Submitted by: The Fredericton District Labour Council
..from the wpg blog
Sat, 2011-06-18 02:52
#3
sven
..you come strolling in this thread making baseless statements. you have no numbers and you position borders on disrespect for working people. i'm not interested if your not going to be serious.
But, isn't it the Harper government's position that disruption of the mail service would be so catastrophic that it necessitates legislative action to order the workers back to work? To me, that's a weak argument -- and a poor reason to negate a right to engage in a work stoppage, no?
..i agree with you sven. but i maintain that corporations need the mail and strikes affect corporations much more than they affect most people.
ETA: small businesses can get caught in the middle of this as well. that still doesn't justify violating the right to strike. legislation giving the right to strike to postal workers was to avoid the internal actions and wildcats that were taking place in the 60's. a way of getting back control over the workers.
Sat, 2011-06-18 03:42
#4
..more rallies
Ottawa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb9C-h4UUCs&NR=1
Toronto Young New Democrats - Canada Post Strike 2011 - CUPW Kitchener Picket Line
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LX_iGh89HKg&NR=1
J C Parrot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDjVGsQcYbA
Prince George rally in support of CUPW
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zb7-qf5OiB0&NR=1
..plus
rebel postie
Sat, 2011-06-18 03:49
#5
Sat, 2011-06-18 04:15
#6
Date Time* City Location
June 18, 2011
1:30 pm
Cape Breton
Sydney PO, Aliant Parking lot @ George & Pitt St., Sydney
June 18, 2011
2 pm
Halifax
Main Post Office, 6175 Almon Street
June 18, 2011
9:30 am
Toronto
Eastern Avenue postal sorting plant (969 Eastern Avenue East of Leslie St.
June 20, 2011
12 noon
Bathurst, NB
495 King, Bathurst
June 20, 2011
6:30 - 9:30pm
Labrador City
Back entrance of the Labrador City Mall
June 20, 2011
5 pm
Moncton
--
June 20, 2011
Noon-8 pm
Montreal
Beach Party at Leo Blanchette Plant
June 20, 2011
10am
Ottawa
Bank of Canada - rally for remittances
June 20, 2011
TBA
Saint John, NB
Conservative MP's office
June 22, 2011
9 am
Toronto
Yonge & Dundas, at the legal offices of Canada Post
http://www.cupw.ca/index.cfm/ci_id/13263/la_id/1.htm
eta: CUPW Rally
Come to a CUPW Rally at noon on Saturday, 2011 June 18 at the Vancouver Public Library – Main Branch, 345 Robson Street. Bring your union banners and other forms of support.
Sat, 2011-06-18 04:56
#7
..how it all began
The Strike of 1965 (Part 1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqcdmUda7hA
(Part 2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnfCxWq1lKM&feature=related
(Part 3)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU26A-wW0QM&feature=related
(Part 4)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c55FkR4yJXU
(Part 5)
Sat, 2011-06-18 04:58
#8
fyi WSWS on the strikes
Canadian Unions Move to Suppress Strikes and Impose Concessions - by Keith Jones
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2011/jun2011/cana-j18.shtml
"Bowing before the Conservative government, the trade unions and trade union supported New Democratic Party (NDP) have moved to shut down two national anti-concession strikes involving more than 50,000 workers. As for the Canadian Labour Congress and the NDP, they issued not even pro-forma statements of support of the postal workers struggle until the Conservatives moved to criminalize it...
The unions and the NDP have lurched massively to the right and integrated themselves ever more with big business. While the unions serve as secondary enforcers for management, imposing concessions and suppressing strikes, the NDP has helped dismantle the social welfare programs it once held up as proof capitalism could be reformed..,"
Sat, 2011-06-18 05:58
#9
actually if you've a mind to, you might wish to send a response back to Keith Jones on these omissions they usually print/respond. Appreciate these updates too epaulo. In sol!
Sat, 2011-06-18 06:00
#10
fyi WSWS on the strikes
Canadian Unions Move to Suppress Strikes and Impose Concessions - by Keith Jones
....legislation can be brutal. in 87' the govt, knowing that cupw was capable of defiance, inserted massive fines for the national, the locals and individual members into the legislation. if that was not enough they removed union officials from their posts and in effect took over the national and local branches of cupw. so posties went back to work. in '87, like today, need support or they would be crushed. who's purpose would that serve?
..this article doesn't deal with that reality. postal workers do not want to nor are they going to run headlong into senseless battles that risks everything they have ever fought for, the livelihoods and their union. cupw is one of the most democratic unions around. i know this because i've belonged to a few and worked within the labour movement. posties are also very active and outspoken at the local level and for this article to suggest that they are being manipulated by the national office suggests that jones doesn't understand the strong democratic movement within cupw.
Sat, 2011-06-18 06:11
#11
actually if you've a mind to, you might wish to send a response back to Keith Jones on these omissions they usually print/respond. Appreciate these updates too epaulo. In sol!
..txs for the suggestion ndpp. and it's totally my pleasure to do this. in sol!
Sat, 2011-06-18 08:22
#12
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Simply Genius action in Ottawa!
This morning, responding to a facebook call went to the Canada Post headquarters. Community members, students, solidarity groups, other unions, and cupw members proceeded to protest the lockout. Canada Post locked all entrances and then accused the union of keeping out workers. It was clear that the demonstrators had no intent on blocking PSAC, UPCE or other unionized members from doing their jobs. However, Canada Post, in usual style proceeded to lock their doors, effectively locking out more workers, and locking others in. Soon hundreds of workers appeared and waited for 1-2 hours, thanks to Canada Post. The police arrived and wanted to know who was in charge. But nobody was. This appeared on facebook …so I guess contact them! The police said that now one could be kept inside and asked why we were blocking people from getting out…they seemed surprised when we told them it was Canada Post keeping them in. It seemed management had adopted the principle of nobody in – nobody out.
Also the head of labour relations John Thomas received an earful for his practice of destroying the lives of working people and their families. He tried to get away and looked to the cops to help protect him from being asked questions. They shrugged their shoulders. He remained silent as asked why Canada Post refuses to let letter carriers deliver cheques to seniors and why the plants are full of mail while they say they aren’t. Why are people cut off their medications? How do you sleep at night? Do you tell you children what you do? He seemed unable to answer in spite of ample opportunity. Local radio had a microphone in his face but was picking up silence. BTW, Thomas is also the RSMC negotiator for Canada Post. Clearly, his dignity or what is left of it is buried someplace else. This seems to be a creatuire who operates in the dark....
http://theworkerstrugglewiththemodernpost.blogspot.com/2011/06/simply-ge...
Sun, 2011-06-19 09:00
#13
..funny stuff
CPC gives CUPW's global offer careful consideration.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQ4Lfqy_Ukg
Students show solidarity with CUPW, Gatineau
Sun, 2011-06-19 14:01
#14
Collective bargaining rights at risk
NDP vows to fight back-to-work legislation for postal workers
By Althia Raj And Beatrice Fantoni, Postmedia News June 19, 2011
Quote:
"We will use the parliamentary tools that we have at our disposal in order to see the legislation fully debated," party leader Jack Layton said in Vancouver, where the NDP is holding its national convention. "We don't agree with the approach (Prime Minister Stephen Harper) is taking here."
NDP national director Brad Lavigne had earlier said the party believes the federal government's back-to-work legislation is "quite biased toward the employer" and the right to collective bargaining will be strongly defended by the party when MPs return to work Monday.
"It is something obviously here at the convention is capturing the passions of the membership," Lavigne said.
Sun, 2011-06-19 22:00
#15
Rallies and Demonstrations
Date Time* City Location
June 20, 2011
12 noon
Bathurst, NB
495 King, Bathurst
June 20, 2011
11am
Edmonton
6801 170 St (Rona Ambrose, Conservative Member of Parliament for Edmonton Spruce-Grove)
June 20, 2011
9am
Kamloops
Kamloops delivery centre, 970 camosun dr.
June 20, 2011
6:30 - 9:30pm
Labrador City
Back entrance of the Labrador City Mall
June 20, 2011
5 pm
Moncton
--
June 20, 2011
Noon-8 pm
Montreal
Beach Party at Leo Blanchette Plant
June 20, 2011
16:30
Montreal
555, McArthur Street (Saint-Laurent)
June 20, 2011
10am
Ottawa
Bank of Canada - rally for remittances
June 20, 2011
5 pm
Ottawa
“Station B” Postal Outlet (Sparks Street and Elgin)
June 20, 2011
16:30 - 18:00
Quesnel
Spirit Square on Reid Street, RV Water station on Front St. to Spirit Square
June 20, 2011
TBA
Saint John, NB
Conservative MP's office
June 21, 2011
Noon
Edmonton
9808-103a AVE (DOWNTOWN PLANT)
Click here for the full list of upcoming events...
* All times are local time.
eta: Updated
Mon, 2011-06-20 13:35
#16
Canada Post talks restart as back-to-work bill looms
Quote: Labour Minister Lisa Raitt will introduce the bill in the House of Commons after the conclusion of question period at 3 p.m. Little else can be done on the bill Monday, which is an "opposition day" in the House with debate controlled by the NDP.
A vote is unlikely to take place until Thursday, the last scheduled day of the session before the House is to rise for the summer. The opposition NDP has threatened to use parliamentary tactics to delay the vote, but Government House Leader Peter Van Loan said Monday the House will remain in session until the bill is passed, even if it has to sit on Saturday....
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2011/06/20/postal-legisl...
Mon, 2011-06-20 14:25
#17
June 20, 2011 - 14:00
Urban Postal Unit Negotiations (2011) / Bulletin
Negotiations Bulletin no. 72
Contrary to the CPC media spin there was no scheduled meetings between the parties this weekend. It is obvious that CPC management is waiting for the back-to-work legislation that they wanted so badly.
CPC's Offer: Less Than Nothing
From the very beginning of negotiations, CPC set the stage by demanding drastic rollbacks. From current employees they wanted to end the WCB top-up for injured workers, replace employer-paid retiree benefits with a health care spending account, abolish the seventh week of annual leave and eliminate sick leave and impose a short-term disability plan. For new hires they wanted weaker job security, fewer benefits, a worse pension and a much lower starting pay rate. During the negotiations they dropped some of their rollbacks, but they never addressed any of the union's demands concerning staffing, health and safety and working conditions. Throughout the process they made offers on issues such as staffing, bar charts and householders only to withdraw them. Their final offer still contains many rollbacks and no significant improvements.
A Dishonest Strategy To Obtain Legislation
In order to set the stage for back-to-work legislation management engaged in a series of media stunts. First they claimed that our demands would cost $1.4 billion. They refused to explain or justify this figure, but it got them the headlines they wanted. To portray themselves in a crisis they invented the figure of a 17% reduction in overall mail volumes since 2006. They ignored the fact that 2009 was a record year for profits. To create the appearance of an emergency they claimed that our rotating strike had reduced volumes by 50% and cost them $70 million. The same day they raised the figure to $100 million. When everything failed they locked us out to give the government a pretext to pass legislation.
Two Very Different Strategies
Unlike CPC we never attacked the postal system or stopped providing service to the public. Our one-day rotating strikes were designed solely to pressure the employer to negotiate. Before CPC stopped all postal service and locked us out, only 51% of the population had experienced any direct impact of our rotating strikes. People were still using the postal service in the knowledge their mail would arrive, perhaps a day later than usual. CPC's action ended all of this. They attacked the postal service to pressure the government to legislate: something the Conservative government was only too happy to do.
Our Struggle Continues
In locals across the country postal workers are participating in rallies and meeting with politicians to try and stop this unnecessary, unjust, and counter-productive legislation. We demand the right to negotiate and the right to strike. We continue to receive tremendous support from the labour movement, the NDP, and many community allies, including students, women's groups, pensioners and anti-poverty organizations. Whatever happens in the upcoming days we will never give up the struggle for our rights.
The Struggle Continues.
In solidarity,
Denis Lemelin
National President and Chief Negotiator
Mon, 2011-06-20 17:25
#18
Mon, 2011-06-20 18:03
#19
Tories table legislation to end Canada Post lockout
BILL CURRY
OTTAWA— Globe and Mail Update
Published Monday, Jun. 20, 2011 3:48PM EDT
The Conservative government introduced back-to-work legislation Monday aimed at ending the lockout at Canada Post.
The legislation, if passed, would allow an independent arbitrator to choose between the final offer from management and the final offer from the union.
The arbitrator's decision would be binding.
Quote: Postal workers are marching at a number of rallies across the country from Kamloops, B.C., to Labrador City, N.L., to gain public support for their cause.
Workers and their supporters in Vancouver, Edmonton and Winnipeg also said they occupied the offices of Conservative MPs this morning.
“We've done everything in our power to achieve a negotiated settlement with as little disruption to the public as possible,” Mike Palacek, a postal worker from Vancouver, said in a news release.
“Canada Post's response has been to suspend all of its services, lock us out, and wait for back-to-work legislation.”
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/tories-table-legislation-to...
Mon, 2011-06-20 19:24
#20
Why is everyone calling this a strike?
Mon, 2011-06-20 19:31
#21
Why is everyone calling this a strike?
..your right of course. it began as a rotating strike that turned into a lockout.
Mon, 2011-06-20 21:01
#22
June 20, 2011 - 19:30
Urban Postal Unit Negotiations (2011) / Media Release
For Immediate Release
OTTAWA – The federal government’s back-to-work bill penalizes postal workers and rewards Canada Post for locking out employees and stopping mail delivery nationwide.
The bill legislates wage increases that fall significantly below Canada Post’s last offer. Canada Post’s last offer was 1.9% in 2011, 2012 and 2013, and 2.0 % in 2014, well below the 3.3% rate of inflation. The Tories’ bill would lower that even further with 1.75 % in 2011, 1.5% in 2012, 2% in 2013 and 2% in 2014.
“Imposing wage increases that are lower than Canada Post’s last offer punishes postal workers for a disruption that was caused by the corporation’s national lockout,” said CUPW National President Denis Lemelin.
“The bill would take $875.50 out of the pockets of an average full-time postal worker during the four years of the agreement. All told, it represents a theft of $35 million from postal workers and their families.”
Lemelin said the government’s heavy-handed interventions will damage labour relations for years to come. The last time the federal government imposed back to work legislation in 1997, it included a provision that ensured the mediator arbitrator considered the importance of good labour-management relations. The current legislation contains no such provision.
“The arbitrator who is assigned to do the final offer selection will not have to live with the results,” said Lemelin. “An imposed settlement will not help the post office in the long term.”
Mon, 2011-06-20 21:45
#23
?? Am I getting this wrong or is the government the arbitrator?
Mon, 2011-06-20 22:30
#24
?? Am I getting this wrong or is the government the arbitrator?
..the govt imposed wage increases as part of it's back to work legislation. the other issues will be settled by an arbitrator not yet named. does this answer your question?
Mon, 2011-06-20 22:33
#25
June 20, 2011 - 20:00
Urban Postal Unit Negotiations (2011) / Legislation
This document is available in Portable Document Format (PDF).
Please click here to download it. 
Mon, 2011-06-20 22:53
#26
Locked-out postal workers occupy Tory MP's offices
By Tom Sandborn June 20, 2011 12:52 pm
Canadian postal workers and their community allies took over Conservative MP's offices across Western Canada on Monday morning to deliver a message to the Harper government. They want the Tories to withdraw proposed back to work legislation, end the lock out that has closed postal service across Canada and return to collective bargaining to resolve outstanding contract issues at Canada Post.
Quote: Speaking from the North Vancouver offices of Conservative MP Andrew Saxton, Spires, a member of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) told The Tyee that he and a group of other union members and community supporters had occupied Sexton's office at 10:00 a.m. this morning. As of 11:30 a.m., there had been no contact between the union occupiers and local police.
Similar occupations had occurred simultaneously at the Edmonton constituency office of Rona Ambrose and the Winnipeg office of Shelly Glover. (Ambrose, formerly Minister of Labour, is now Minister of Public Works and Government Services. Saxton is Parliamentary Secretary to the President of Treasury Board, while Glover serves as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance.)
http://thetyee.ca/Blogs/TheHook/Labour-Industry/2011/06/20/PostalWorkers...
Tue, 2011-06-21 06:03
#27
Rallies and Demonstrations
Date Time* City Location
June 21, 2011
4-5pm
Campbellton
114 Roseberry Street, Campbellton, Bernard Valcourt (MP Madawaska Restigouche)
June 21, 2011
Noon
Edmonton
9808-103a AVE (DOWNTOWN PLANT)
June 21, 2011
4pm
Fredericton
23 Allison blvd (Ashfield's office)
June 21, 2011
4-5pm
Miramichi
4 Renaud Street, Tilly O’Neill Gordon (MP Miramichi)
June 21, 2011
4 pm
Moncton
34 King street, MP Robert Goguen's office
June 21, 2011
1:00-2:30pm
Montreal
Pharmaprix Canada Post location, 1500 St. Catherine (between Guy and Mackay)
June 21, 2011
12:15pm- 12:45pm
Saskatoon
51st Street Canada Post SMPP location
June 22, 2011
11:30am
Antigonish
Antigonish supporting CUPW workers at Chisholm Park
June 22, 2011
9 am
Toronto
Yonge & Dundas, at the legal offices of Canada Post
June 22, 2011
3:30pm - 5:30pm
Truro NS
644 Prince St
June 23, 2011
12-2pm
Fredericton
Officer's square
June 23, 2011
1:15 pm
Oshawa
Oshawa Main Post Office, 47 Simcoe Street South.
June 24, 2011
17:00 - 18:00
Courtenay, BC
Sid Williams Plaza, B.C.
* All times are local time.
Tue, 2011-06-21 06:16
#28
Professors join postal workers on the picket line in Fredericton
Sunday, 19 June 2011 15:04 Tracy Glynn
Members of the Faculty Association of University of St. Thomas (FAUST) and the St. Thomas University Support and Administration Union (STUSAU) joined the picket line with locked-out postal workers at the Waggoners Lane post office in Fredericton on Friday, June 17th over the noon hour.
Robin Vose, President of FAUST, in a letter to Denis Lemelin, President of CUPW on June 2, 2011, states, "we wish to express our solidarity with your struggle to preserve the rights of your members, who are the bone and sinew of the public postal service… We were shocked to learn that Canada Post is proposing to cut 7000 jobs in order to reduce their payroll. This means that the remaining workers will be expected to do more with less, which has implications for their health and safety, as well as the quality of service. We are also concerned that Canada Post is demanding lower rates for current temporary employees and fewer benefits for new hires. This is deplorable, for it targets the corporation’s most vulnerable workers. We support CUPW’s vision for the future of the public postal service: not a corporation preoccupied with profit and a skeleton workforce, but that of a 'A Modern Post Powered by People'."...
http://www.nbmediacoop.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=...
Tue, 2011-06-21 17:46
#29
Message in Harper's back to work law against CUPW is that labour will be put in its place
By Fred Wilson | June 21, 2011
The Harper government's legislation to end the lock out at Canada Post sends a strong message to Canadian labour. They intend to lower the wages and benefits of public sector workers and they could give a damn about collective bargaining rights.
The CUPW bill is brutally anti-union and it comes only days after strike breaking legislation against CAW Air Canada workers was introduced, but not passed when the union struck a last minute compromise deal. These back-to-back attacks on unions leave no doubt that there is no place for unions and collective bargaining in shaping Canada's economy under Harper, and that this government will act harshly and decisively to put unions in their place....
http://rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/fwilson/2011/06/message-harper%E2%80%99s...
Tue, 2011-06-21 19:35
#30
June 21, 2011 - 19:00
Urban Postal Unit Negotiations (2011) / Bulletin
Negotiations Bulletin no. 74
Across the country, postal workers have been demonstrating, attending rallies, lobbying MPs and walking picket lines expressing their determination to fight against the unjust legislation introduced by the Stephen Harper Conservative government. Everywhere the demand has been the same. Don't Legislate: Negotiate!
For the past eight months, we have been determined to negotiate a collective agreement that meets the needs of postal workers and preserves the public postal service. The back-to-work legislation is designed to weaken our resolve, but we are not letting that happen. With the help of the NDP in Parliament, our community allies, the labour movement and with the assistance of Hassan Yussuf, Secretary-Treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress, we remain as determined as ever to force CPC to negotiate a collective agreement.
The Employer is Hiding
Contrary to media reports, there were no negotiations meetings held yesterday evening. CPC was supposed to arrange a meeting through the mediator. The CUPW negotiating committee and the NEB waited for the meeting, however late last night, the mediator informed us no meeting would occur. Today, we contacted CPC management and arranged for a meeting which took place in the early afternoon. At this meeting we made a proposal in an attempt to break through the deadlock. As of 5:00 p.m., CPC has not yet responded. It appears they are content to hide behind the legislation that they so desperately lobbied for.
The Legislation Must Be Withdrawn
Throughout the day in Parliament, NDP MPs repeatedly attacked the back-to-work legislation for being biased and unnecessary. They pointed out that final offer selection has been criticized by government reports as being the worst type of arbitration process as it reinforces a "winner taker all" approach and does not lend itself to resolving problems. The legislation introduced by the Conservative government includes a mandate for the arbitrator that virtually guarantees he/she will choose the position of the employer. We continue to demand that the legislation be withdrawn so that CPC will have to come out of the shadows and negotiate.
Postal Workers Should Be Congratulated
By standing up against this legislation and demanding the right to free collective bargaining, postal workers are defending the rights of all workers. By rejecting a defined contribution pension plan for the new hires and fighting for a defined benefit pension, we are fighting for the security of the next generation. All postal workers can be proud of themselves and proud of their union. As long as we keep struggling for justice and fighting for our rights we will never be defeated.
In solidarity,
Denis Lemelin
National President and Chief Negotiator
Tue, 2011-06-21 20:03
#31
laine lowe
Not a surprise but worth repeating from the Fred Wilson piece:
The CUPW bill is brutally anti-union and it comes only days after strike breaking legislation against CAW Air Canada workers was introduced, but not passed when the union struck a last minute compromise deal. These back-to-back attacks on unions leave no doubt that there is no place for unions and collective bargaining in shaping Canada's economy under Harper, and that this government will act harshly and decisively to put unions in their place....
Wed, 2011-06-22 00:31
#32
CUPW targets MP Fletcher
Jun 21, 2011 1:01 PM CT
Locked out Canada Post workers were demonstrating at the constituency office of Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia & Headingley MP Steven Fletcher Tuesday after leaving the office of St. Boniface Shelly Glover earlier in the day.
Glover's office has been closed as a result of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) demonstration which began Monday, the MP said. "We understand that there are passionate opinions on both sides, however we kindly ask for respect of a government office," Glover said in a statement.
CUPW says five Canada Post workers stayed in Glover's office until 1 a.m. Tuesday morning when police arrived.
Union spokesman Bob Tyre said the postal workers then peacefully left Glover's office.
Tyre took issue with part of Glover's office message which said the workers were disruptive.
"We were very calm, very polite. We didn't disrupt her operation at all. We didn't talk to anyone going in or trying to prevent them."...
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/story/2011/06/21/mb-postal-cupw-p...
Wed, 2011-06-22 00:38
#33
Fighting Together
Students Support Postal Workers on Strike
Megan Dolski — June 20, 2011 |
On June 17, postal and other unionized workers were joined by students as they protested for nearly four hours to show their support for CUPW members. The demonstration took place at 225 Bridge St., and was attended by an estimated 70 people.
At Concordia, 11 associations have officially declared their support of CUPW’s actions by taking part in the Students for Posties Campaign. The group has released a solidarity statement, undersigned by a number of associations, including the Concordia Student Union, the Graduate Students’ Association of Concordia and Free Education Montreal.
Students for Posties held its own protest June 21 outside the Pharmaprix across the street from the EV building, which houses a Canada Post location.
In their statement, Students for Posties draws a link between students’ fight for accessible education and the postal workers’ current struggle.
“This whole fight is really about fighting against neo-liberal policy,” explained Rushdia Mehreen of Free Education Montreal. “What students are fighting is this, and this is what happening with the social workers.” She said that the issue is rooted in the current government’s attempt to downsize public services.
http://thelinknewspaper.ca/article/1548
Wed, 2011-06-22 07:29
#34
IASWI Condemns back-to-work legislation against Canadian postal workers
IASWI strongly condemns the Canada Post Corporation's decision to impose a nation-wide lockout against about 50,000 workers instead of negotiating a collective agreement with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW). We also resolutely denounce the Federal Conservative government's repressive back-to work legislation against postal workers. This legislation is a gross violation of fundamental rights of workers to organize, to bargain collectively and to strike.
CUPW members were holding a series of rotating strikes across Canada to highlight their pressing issues. The corporation ignored postal workers’ major demands while pressuring for a vast array of concessions. Postal workers are struggling to maintain fair and healthy conditions at work, which include the right to decent wages and benefits, retirement security and pensions. These rights are important to all working people.
The Conservative Government of Canada has once again shown that, similar to the anti-worker government of Iran and other repressive capitalist regimes around the world, they have no respect for workers' rights and the freedom of association, expression and collective bargaining. Workers need to collectively fight back against anti-worker regimes in any part of the world. The International Alliance in Support of Workers in Iran stands in solidarity with Canadian postal workers and will continue to participate in CUPW's actions and struggles.
An injury to one is an injury to all.
The struggle continues.
International Alliance in Support of Workers in Iran (IASWI)-Canada Division
June 21, 2011
http://www.workers-iran.org/News/Oppose%20back%20to%20work%20legislation...
Wed, 2011-06-22 07:35
#35
Unions unite on march down Jasper Avenue
CHRIS SAVAGE
METRO
Published: June 22, 2011 12:44 a.m.
“Who decides? We’ll decide! Whose work? Our work!” was the cry heard across the downtown core yesterday.
Hundreds of Canada Post workers united with other labour unions to voice their frustration with recent back-to-work legislation put forward by the federal government.
“When the call for support is put out, others answer. An injury to one is an injury to all,” said Guy Smith, president of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees. “Free collective bargaining is a basic democratic right.”
The United Nurses Association and the AUPE were among the groups backing the postal workers union. Approximately 1,200 people showed up to march down Jasper Avenue, literally stopping daytime traffic....
http://www.metronews.ca/edmonton/local/article/896929--unions-unite-on-m...
Wed, 2011-06-22 07:41
#36
Canada Post workers block Purolator entrance
Updated: Tue Jun. 21 2011 9:56:48 AM
ctvmontreal.ca
LAVAL, Quebec — Canada Post workers have targeted a Laval office of the Purolator delivery service, blocking doors and slowing down operations Tuesday morning.
Canada Post workers, embroiled in a labour dispute, feel that Purolater – owned by Canada Post - is undermining their cause by taking over much of the deliveries usually performed by postal workers.
The Canada Post workers reported that the occupation of the truck depot significantly hindered Purolator's deliveries. They reported that as of 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, fewer than half of Purolator's fleet had left the centre a time when all trucks would normally be on the road.
Workers returned to their picket lines after all of the trucks left the Purolator distribution centre
http://montreal.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110621/mtl_canadapost_...
Wed, 2011-06-22 07:44
#37
LETTER TO MAGAZINES CANADA
We Support Free Collective Bargaining
By Lorraine Endicott, for Our Times
Attention: Mark Jamison
CEO, Magazines Canada
June 21, 2011
Dear Mr. Jamison,
I am writing on behalf of Our Times magazine to express our deep displeasure at your recent news release announcing that Magazines Canada, of which we are a member, supports the federal government's introduction of back-to-work legislation to force postal workers back to work. Collective bargaining is a time-honoured tradition in Canada, and we at Our Times magazine are completely opposed to this intervention by the federal government....
Wed, 2011-06-22 07:50
#38
Postal works stage sit-in at MP Kamp’s office
By Robert Mangelsdorf - Maple Ridge News
Published: June 21, 2011 2:00 PM
Updated: June 21, 2011 3:41 PM
Locked-out postal workers, upset with the Conservative government’s plan to send them back to work, occupied MP Randy Kamp ’s Maple Ridge office Tuesday, refusing to leave until he vows to vote against the proposed legislation.
Kamp was not at the office, however, but rather in Ottawa. Still, the protestors hope their message reaches him: Let us bargain with Canada Post.
“We have no say,” said Cindy McDonnell, president of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers Local 704. “This is draconian legislation ... and it undermines the entire bargaining process.”
More than two dozen postal workers gathered in front of Kamp’s offices Tuesday morning. At around noon, three union members entered Kamp’s office and refused to leave.
Postal workers in North Vancouver, Edmonton and Winnipeg occupied the offices of Conservative MPs on Monday.
“I imagine they will be here until the police come and take them away,” said Ed Nicholles, CUPW’s Pacific Region representative, of the three postal workers occupying Kamp’s office....
http://www.bclocalnews.com/tri_city_maple_ridge/mapleridgenews/news/1243...
Wed, 2011-06-22 18:27
#39
Rallies and Demonstrations
Date
Time*
City
Location
June 23, 2011
1pm
Edmonton
Mass CUPW Membership Meeting, Shaw Conference Centre
June 23, 2011
12-2pm
Fredericton
Officer's square
June 23, 2011
4pm- 6pm
London
London Mail Processing Plant at 951 Highbury Avenue
June 23, 2011
7pm- 8:30pm
Ottawa
Ottawa Public Library Auditorium 120 Metcalfe St., corner of Laurier and Metcalf
Wed, 2011-06-22 20:25
#40
June 22, 2011 - 19:25
Urban Postal Unit Negotiations (2011) / Bulletin
Negotiations Bulletin no. 75
Since the introduction of the back-to-work legislation into the House of Commons, there have been a few meetings between CUPW, Labour Minister Lisa Raitt and CPC officials, including CPC President Deepak Chopra. Yesterday, CUPW submitted a very serious proposal designed to break the deadlock. Today we received CPC's reply. Essentially they made no significant moves and are maintaining 10 demands for major rollbacks, including the elimination of sick leave, lower wages and deep cuts in benefits and pensions for new hires. They did nothing to address the problems of postal workers. They did offer to make a move on the issue of percentage of coverage for letter carriers on the condition that we agree to further lower the wages of new hires.
Meet the New Boss
Since the introduction of the legislation, the messages from CPC have been inconsistent and contradictory. In our first discussion with Deepak Chopra and Labour Minister Raitt, we were somewhat optimistic that there might be a serious effort to negotiate. Mr. Chopra made a commitment that the terms of CPC's June 9th offer were still on the table. However, less than two hours later, at a meeting of the finance sub-table, CPC formally reduced their wage proposal for new hires to $18.00 per hour from the $19.00 contained in the June 9th proposal. Since then, they have put back their offer of $19.00. Will it change again?
Same as the Old Boss
From the very beginning of this set of negotiations, CPC has maintained a hard line position designed by former CPC President Moya Greene before she abandoned Canada Post to go to the UK and receive a million dollar salary to privatize the Royal Mail. After she left, Prime Minister Harper appointed Deepak Chopra to perpetuate their agenda of deep cuts to our benefits, pensions and rights.
Since then, CPC has refused to bargain, stopped all mail delivery by locking us out, and done everything possible to provoke back-to-work legislation.
We Won't Be Fooled
During the next days, we can expect CPC, the Government and the corporate media to mount an attack on postal workers and CUPW. They will say anything to try and convince you and the public that we are to blame for the breakdown of bargaining and the back-to-work legislation. But we won't be fooled. We know we did everything possible to negotiate a collective agreement that meets our needs and preserves public postal services. We entered these negotiations with a practical and modest set of demands, but we were met with a brick wall of corporate greed.
If the government and Mr. Chopra believe they can defeat postal workers, they are seriously mistaken. We will continue to demand justice for ourselves and others. We will continue to exercise all of the rights that we have under our collective agreement. And we will continue to fight for improved postal services to the public. We will continue to struggle for a collective agreement that is freely negotiated and ratified by the membership.
No Justice, No Peace. The Struggle Continues.
In solidarity,
Denis Lemelin
National President and Chief Negotiator
Wed, 2011-06-22 20:57
#41
J C Parrot and Harvie (The Hack) André on CBC's The Current
Tuesday June 21, 2011
CUPW: History & Future
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers has walked out, been locked out and has carved out contract gains that others have copied. But with this latest back-to-work legislation from this latest government, some think they've been hollowed out.
http://www.cbc.ca/thecurrent/episode/2011/06/21/cupw-history-future/
Wed, 2011-06-22 21:38
#42
There's only one man standing in the way of the postal service being started up again right now and that's Stephen Harper. He's got the key to the lock.
Wed, 2011-06-22 22:07
#43
There's only one man standing in the way of the postal service being started up again right now and that's Stephen Harper. He's got the key to the lock.
..i thinking you could also argue that man was chopra the president of cpc. but he has his masters as does harper. cupw has been been isolated when the struggle it faces is for the broader union and left movements to take on.
Thu, 2011-06-23 10:58
#44
[url=http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Protesters+announce+occupation+Baird+office... and workers are currently occupying John Baird's office in solidarity with postal workers.[/url]
Protesters say they’ve occupied federal MP John Baird’s constituency office on Carling Avenue in sympathy with locked-out postal workers.The group say they aren’t members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, who began rotating strikes against Canada Post before management locked the union out, but are sympathetic to their fight.
“The contract Harper wants to force on CUPW will shortchange postal workers even more than Canada Post would have,” says protester James Meades in a written statement announcing the occupation.
“By passing back-to-work legislation, the Harper government is attacking every worker in the country, both private and public, union and non-union.
If you're in Ottawa, they're asking supporters to gather outside Baird's office. The police have just asked the media to leave the building.
Thu, 2011-06-23 14:23
#45
..short video of the edmonton sit-in.
Thu, 2011-06-23 14:28
#46
Rallies and Demonstrations
Date
Time*
City
Location
June 24, 2011
17:00 - 18:00
Courtenay, BC
Sid Williams Plaza, B.C.
June 24, 2011
10:30 am
Penticton
From 56 Industrial to MP Dan Albas’s office
June 24, 2011
Noon
Yellowknife
In front of the PO
Click here for the full list of upcoming events...
* All times are local time.
Thu, 2011-06-23 21:35
#47
..this is the role the ndp has traditionally played in other legislated postal strikes.
Raitt open to Canada Post bill changes
By Meagan Fitzpatrick, CBC News
Posted: Jun 23, 2011 1:20 PM ET
Last Updated: Jun 23, 2011 6:01 PM ET
The Conservative government is open to changing its back-to-work legislation, Labour Minister Lisa Raitt said Thursday as MPs stared down the possibility of an all-night debate on sending Canada Post employees back to work and ending a lockout.
"If they have real amendments, they should present them to us and we'll take a look at them … we're open to take amendments. You have to consider them. That's part of debate," said Raitt.
NDP Leader Jack Layton suggested in question period the government remove a controversial section of the bill that would give the union a lower salary than the one proposed by management in the last round of talks. The NDP plans to move an amendment to the bill Thursday evening to take out the salary portion....
http://www.cbc.ca/m/rich/news/story/2011/06/23/pol-canada-post.html
Thu, 2011-06-23 22:54
#48
Brilliant. What about the forced imposition of a collective agreement? What about the "directives" to the arbitrator (from the CUPW website):
The arbitrator must consider the following:
- conditions of employment consistent with those in comparable postal industries
- the necessary flexibility to ensure the short term long-term economic viability and competitiveness of CPC
- maintain the health and safety of workers
- ensure the sustainability of pension plan
- take into account the solvency ratio of the pension
- operate efficiently, improve productivity and meet acceptable levels of service without undue rate increases.
The NDP is picking the most irrelevant and visible issue to focus on - salary. The government will say, "ok, you win", and restore the offer the employer made - and Layton will declare victory - to the applause of those everywhere (including here) who don't give a shit about workers' rights? What a base attack on workers. When the chips are down, workers have no allies in Parliament.
Thu, 2011-06-23 23:16
#49
..in my 14 years in the po, 13 as an activist, the role of the ndp was never satisfactory. it never fit the level of struggle that was in progress. what was needed was them and all those they could organize out on the street and calling for outright defiance of the govt. an unjust law and all that stuff. maybe even civil disobedience by disrupting or blocking parliament.
Thu, 2011-06-23 23:46
#50
..this is what i find “disturbing” unionist. :)
Ken Georgetti writes Labour Minister Lisa Raitt re: Canada Post
Posted: Friday, 17 June 2011
Ken Georgetti writes Labour Minister Lisa Raitt protesting the Minister's interference in the collective bargaining process at Canada Post.
The Honourable Lisa Raitt, MP
Minister of Labour
House of Commons
Dear Minister:
On behalf of the over three million members of the Canadian Labour Congress, I am writing to protest your intention to introduce back to work legislation in the dispute between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), where the Corporation has locked out its workers.
Minister, the proper role for the government in this instance is to tell its own Crown Corporation to get back to the bargaining table and negotiate a collective agreement. It is not to aid the Corporation to achieve, through back to work legislation, its collective bargaining objectives. There is no incentive here Minister, with your actions, for the employer to return to the bargaining table and negotiate.
Your role, as Minister, is to foster the process of collective bargaining and not get directly involved in any dispute. For collective bargaining to work, the parties themselves must willingly negotiate. Your actions have removed the employer's obligation to negotiate which will only serve to further poison already acrimonious labour relations.
Sincerely,
Kenneth V. Georgetti
President
Fri, 2011-06-24 03:03
#51
Wish more Canadians would actually watch the debate in the House on the hoist motion. This is the first 'real' debate I can recall seeing in many, many years. Lots of myths about unions and 'overpaid postal workers' being very effectively busted by NDP MPs. Lots of good debate about workers' rights, the labour movement, poverty and standards of living.
The Tories have had a few reasonable speakers, but most are just calling the NDP "socialist" and engaging in the usual anti-union rhetoric. The Liberals, true to form, are spending all their time attacking the NDP rather than the Tories.
Don Davies, Jinny Sims and Randall Garrison all gave great speeches (I guess they put all the BC MPs on the 'late shift' since they're on "BC time" anyways!) David Christopherson is speaking right now and got real fired up.
Jinny Sims got a particularly good line in about how governments pay lip service to the importance of family, but they don't want to ensure that people make a decent wage so they can actually spend time raising their families, rather than working overtime or two jobs to make ends meet.
Very, very proud of the NDP MPs who have spoken in this debate. It's too bad that the media will not cover any of this.