Canada Post plans to cut thousands of jobs

141 posts / 0 new

Mon, 2014-02-17 20:26

laine lowe laine lowe's picture

As a public asset, Canada Post should not be driven by profitability but affordable services. Some parts of Canada Post are extremely profitable and should be used to cross-subsidize the less profitable areas such as rural deliveries. And I am sick of the blame game on unionized pension plans and employee benefits. Well managed plans should not be factored into the balance books of day to day operations.

It certainly seems that the intent is to privatize assets and services. By downsizing costs associated with labour, it becomes easier to sell off services.

Mon, 2014-02-17 20:52

#103

epaulo13

..i'm sick of it as well laine.

..if i remember correctly the cost of automating the po back in the 70's was a billion dollars. i repeat a billion dollars. the trudeau gov was making it ready to sell off. even after all this time it still makes me angry to think about it.

Tue, 2014-02-18 00:37

#104

epaulo13

txs abnormal

..partially it is about funding. discussing only how we pay for it though would be shrinking the discussion to what i suspect would be the lowest common denominator. for as long as i have been an adult, which may very well be even longer than you would'nt care to admit, federal govs have attempted to privatize this incredible valuable asset. this would result in selling off the profitable aspects to be exploited by corporations leaving the non profitable costs to be borne by the canadian public. for all that very same time there has been a different point of view coming both from the postal workers and of the canadian public. that is not to sell it off and instead grow it in the interest of canadians as a whole. in fact i remember this as a goal that has been struggled for globally.

..i see us at a crossroads where choosing the austerity/sell off is the least attractive path. this will mean getting ourselves organized and be willing to take on the torries or any other fed politico that want to take us down that path. it is my belief that this a realistic possibility based on past struggles to save the po not to mention the current tensions that exist in canada today.

Thu, 2014-02-20 06:57

#105

epaulo13

Canada Post workers to keep fighting changes

A Canada Post union spokesman says he’s planning petition blitzes, town hall meetings and a rally in May to save door-to-door home delivery.

Chris Clay, president of the Charlottetown local of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), said he’s also working on getting as much political clout behind him as he can.

Clay got a bit of a boost last week when Charlottetown city council threw unanimous support behind a resolution opposing the move by Canada Post.

“The help from the city is a huge step. It was easily one of the big challenges,’’ Clay said, noting that he’s going to be asking for support from Stratford council, plans to talk to MLAs and has already met with Cardigan MP Lawrence MacAulay.

“We’re planning petition blitzes and working up towards another rally in May. I’m also hoping to have two town hall meetings between now and then.’’....

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/News/Local/2014-02-19/article-3620901/Canad...

Thu, 2014-02-20 08:18

#106

Unionist

Op-ed by Ethan Cox:

[url=http://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2014/02/19/canada_post_should_... Post should deliver on postal banking[/url]

Quote:

In an exclusive report, parliamentary news site Blacklock’s Reporter disclosed last week that Canada Post spent the better part of four years conducting research, polling and focus group studies, all of which concluded that the Crown corporation “could profitably launch the largest banking network in the country.” [...]

If you own a lot of stock in the big banks then I can see why you would oppose postal banking. But for the rest of us, it’s a no-brainer.

Despite the fact Canada Post has been profitable in 17 of the past 18 years, earned more than $1.5 billion in profits in the past decade alone, and has a pension plan which is fully-funded on a going-concern basis, our government claimed they had no choice but to gut it.

I suppose the lesson here is that the big banks have better lobbyists than do citizens. Or perhaps it was an ideological urge to slash public services that drove this decision, facts be damned.

Fri, 2014-02-21 17:10

#107

epaulo13

Letter from a Postal Worker

Canada Post's 'crisis creation' has been ongoing for years.

With the recent announcement by Canada Post of its five-year business plan, many people have been left wondering what is going on at the post office.

For years Canada Post has been successful, making profits in each of the last 17 out of 18 years; with the exception of 2011 - the year that Canada Post locked out its workers and then went to the Government to have them legislated back to work. It was also the year that Canada Post was forced to settle a $200 million, two decade-long, pay equity lawsuit with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC)....

http://halifax.mediacoop.ca/story/letter-postal-worker/21722

............

Postal workers will fight Canada Post's cuts to communities

OTTAWA, Feb. 20, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Union of Postal Workers notes that the cuts to door-to-door delivery announced today by Canada Post are unnecessary and will hurt people in the 11 affected communities.

"This is a terrible plan and we will fight it every step of the way," said Denis Lemelin, National President of CUPW. "Canada Post executives and the Harper government are dismantling public postal service and refusing to listen to us when we point out there are better options for Canadians such as postal banking. Shame on them."

Conservatives clapped gleefully in the House of Commons last month as they voted down the NDP motion to stop Canada Post from cancelling door-to-door delivery. To date, around 17 municipalities have passed resolutions opposing the cuts. Canada Post conducted a secret study from 2009-2013 that suggests postal banking might be a lucrative venture that could save the public post office. It is currently hiding the study from the public....

http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1310135/postal-workers-will-fight-canada...

Sun, 2014-02-23 18:56

#108

epaulo13

..got this mail out on friday

Click for a larger view

Sun, 2014-02-23 21:14

#109

laine lowe laine lowe's picture

Glad to see the NDP doing something about this disgraceful plan to eviserate a public good. I wish it had more resonnance with the media.

Sun, 2014-02-23 23:03

#110

epaulo13

..i remember a strike where the trudeau gov legislated the posties back to work. for a short while the workers defied the legislation and eventually jc parrot the union pres spent a bit of time in jail for that defiance plus the national paid a hefty fine. the strike was short lived but it rocked canada in many ways. i spent long days on the picket line and at around 10pm every night a few of us would go the union office and sit around the fax machine. we woiuld wait for the national office to send out the support notices we were receiving that day. and then they would come, fax after fax night after night, from all across canada. from all manner of social groups. seniors, band councils, poverty groups, women, left groups, unions, community organizations...church groups. all in support of postal workers. 30,000 quebec psac members threatened to go out on strike in support of the posties. the longshore folks threatened to close down the port of vancouver. and in those moments sitting around that fax machine i felt that, even if this was lip service, this is how a revolution can begin.

..today i don’t look at change/revolution the same way as i did back then. but i still very much believe in the power of people to direct their own destinies and given the right circumstances change will occur. there is something about the post office that ordinary folk seem capable of rallying around and something about the militancy of the workers that inspires other workers and the left in general to reach for something greater whatever that may mean to them. i look forward to this struggle. in fact it excites me because in it i see possibilities and hope that i felt once before.

Sat, 2014-03-01 06:42

#111

epaulo13

Fort St. John supporting local postal workers

quote:

Councillor Byron Stewart made the motion to send the letter, stressing concerns for the elderly and disabled who would have to get their mail from a community mailbox.

"Examples of concern would be around our seniors and our physically handicapped especially in our winter months of having to go to stationary boxes instead of the current system of house-to-house delivery,” he told councillors Monday.

Mayor Lori Ackerman agreed, adding a concern that the city might have to foot the bill locally for changes made on a federal level.

"The use of city services and the use of city land is concerning as well,” said Ackerman. “There has been no conversation with the community or the city of Fort St. John as a corporation regarding these things."

Council voted unanimously on sending the letter. Fort St. John is now joins a number of cities which are supporting their local postal workers in this effort.

http://www.cjdccountry.com/News/Story.aspx?ID=2136484

.........

Canadian Postal Workers Union Warns Smithers Town Council Of Potential Service Cuts

quote:

But Barralon doesn't like that five point plan. He says hiking the price of stamps has hurt small businesses and service cuts would be worse. Mayor Taylor Bachrach agrees that the loss of the local post office would be detrimental.

"What we heard tonight was really the role that the post office plays for small businesses in our community that rely on postal service to get their products here and ship things out," he said.

To combat the potential cuts, Barralon asked council to pass a pair of resolution; send a letter to Transport Minister Lisa Raitt asking Canada Post to review their service cuts, and to lobby the federal government to make the upcoming review of the Canadian Postal Service Charter open to public input. Council will discuss and vote on the issues at their next meeting in two weeks.

http://www.cftktv.com/News/Story.aspx?ID=2136495

Sat, 2014-03-01 06:47

#112

epaulo13

Save Canada Post / Bulletin

Over 136,000 people have already gone to Change.org and sent a letter to Lisa Raitt telling her to stop the postal service cutbacks. You can join them!

Just go to: https://www.change.org/en-CA and click on the title “Canada Post: Don’t End Home Delivery”.

This letter-petition initiative was started by Susan Dixon, a mother of two young boys from Cambridge, Ontario. Susan Dixon knows personally about the hardship that ending home delivery will cause. Her son has cerebral palsy and uses a walker to get around. Her
letter-petition highlights the impact of ending door-to-door mail delivery on parents of young children, people with disabilities and the elderly. It also mentions that thousands of jobs will be lost if door-to-door delivery is eliminated.

CUPW representatives have been in touch with Susan Dixon to thank her for her efforts and offer support for her action by having members sign her letter-petition.....

http://www.cupw.ca/index.cfm/ci_id/15153/la_id/1.htm

Sat, 2014-03-01 06:51

#113

epaulo13

Save Canada Post / Bulletin

Management has announced eleven locations where they plan to eliminate door-to-door mail delivery in the autumn of 2014, affecting 100,000 addresses across the country.

The 11 communities and the approximate number of affected addresses are:

Calgary, Alta. some neighbourhoods
(10,450 addresses)
Fort McMurray, Alta. (8,450 addresses)
Winnipeg, Man. some neighbourhoods
(12,500 addresses)
Oakville, Ont. (26,400 addresses)
Ottawa, Ont., neighbourhoods in Kanata
(7,900 addresses)
Rosemère, Que. (3,350 addresses)
Lorraine, Que. (2,550 addresses)
Bois-des-Filion, Que. (2,750 addresses)
Charlemagne, Que. (1,300 addresses)
Repentigny, Que. (14,400 addresses)
Nova Scotia, neighbourhoods in the Lower Sackville and Bedford areas
(9,950 addresses).

We Will Fight Every Step of the Way

These cutbacks are part of CPC’s Five Point Plan that also includes the closure of Corporate Retail Offices and steep hikes to postage rates. All of these cutbacks are totally unnecessary and will cause great hardship to many people. CUPW is committed to fighting this plan every step of the way. We know there is a positive alternative to cutbacks and that is to initiate new revenue-generating services such as postal banking. Canada Post’s own secret study of postal banking acknowledged that postal banking is a proven strategy for diversification for post offices. We need to keep demanding that management release the full contents of this study to the public....

http://www.cupw.ca/index.cfm/ci_id/15155/la_id/1.htm

Sun, 2014-03-09 10:59

#114

epaulo13

Canada Post provided 800 pages on postal banking, but 700 are redacted

Just over a week ago, a small news agency based in Ottawa called Blacklock's Reporter revealed that they had obtained a report that showed Canada Post had seriously investigated postal banking as an option for picking up the corporations' flagging revenues.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has been beating the drum of postal banking -- where the post office offers the same financial services as a bank -- for sometime, predating the December 2013 announcement that there would be significant job cuts and the end of door-to-door postal services. They considered it an extremely viable option to help diversify revenue streams for the company, and had a well publicized Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives report that backed them up. ....

http://rabble.ca/news/2014/03/canada-post-provided-800-pages-on-postal-b...

Mon, 2014-03-10 16:03

#115

epaulo13

Prince Edward Island postal workers take concerns to MLAs

A lack of lighting and security are two of the big concerns on the minds of MLAs when it comes to the postal service.

The Standing Committee on Community and Intergovernmental Affairs received a briefing from local representatives of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) on Wednesday. All three sides — Liberals, Conservatives and postal workers — seem to agree that changes being made at Canada Post are not for the better.

Chris Clay, president of the Charlottetown CUPW local, and Dylan Allain, chief shop steward with CUPW in Charlottetown, appeared before the committee....

quote:

While committee chairman Bush Dumville couldn’t promise the CUPW members anything, he told them it’s not uncommon for the committee, even with federal issues like this one, to recommend to the legislature that it bring a motion to the floor supporting the workers.

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/News/Local/2014-03-07/article-3640871/Princ...

Fri, 2014-03-14 22:12

#116

epaulo13

Lessons that can save Canada Post

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) is one of the most radical unions in Canada with unabashed strong ties to movements working against injustice domestically and globally. But once again, postal service workers are under attack by the latest "cost-cutting" measure threatened by Canada Post Corporation (CPC)....

http://rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/activist-toolkit/2014/03/lessons-can-sav...

Sun, 2014-03-16 00:25

#117

epaulo13

Postal Unions Form Alliance
Declaration Promises Joint Efforts

Declaring that “the U.S. Postal Service is under unprecedented attack,” the presidents of the four postal unions have formed a historic alliance to fight back.

“A congressionally-manufactured financial crisis drains the USPS of vital resources,” the union presidents write in a proclamation [PDF] signed over the last several days. “Six-day delivery is under constant threat of elimination. The reduction of service standards and the elimination of half of the nation’s mail processing centers has slowed service and wiped out tens of thousands of good jobs. Post offices in cities and small towns are being sold or closed or having their hours cut back.

“Our efforts will benefit all postal employees and the people of this country who expect and deserve a vibrant, public Postal Service for generations to come.”

“Corporate privatizers seek to gain control over larger segments of postal operations – and to get their hands on the Postal Service’s $65 billion of annual revenue. The Postmaster General’s policies of subcontracting and degrading service are fueling the privatization drive,” proclamation declares....

https://www.apwu.org/news/webart/2014/14-049-unionalliance-140311.htm

Tue, 2014-03-18 13:47

#118

epaulo13

Thu, 2014-03-20 23:42

#119

epaulo13

It is a packed house at the Caboto Club as people participate in the Town Hall meeting in regards to CUPW and Canada Post.

Windsor and District Labour Council - WDLC

Sat, 2014-03-22 13:17

#120

epaulo13

Interview with former CUPW national president Jean-Claude Parrot

audio

With deep cuts slated for the Canadian postal service, the Halifax Media Co-op caught up with Jean-Claude Parrot, former national president of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.

Parrot famously spent two months in jail in 1980 for defying back to work legislation. He also negotiated the first paid maternity leave in the public sector.

"There was a time when we didn't even have the right to negotiate," says Parrot, putting the current struggle in perspective. "We didn't have the right to strike. So we had to go out on strike to get that....

http://halifax.mediacoop.ca/audio/interview-former-cupw-national-preside...

Mon, 2014-03-24 16:44

#121

abnormal

Regardless of whether or not Canada Post ideas are good, this reminds me of what I heard on Planet Money regarding the lobby for car dealerships argument against Tesla making direct sales.

"The car dealers employ a lot of people. All these jobs would be lost in a direct to consumer model."

Tue, 2014-03-25 15:43

#122

epaulo13

Union asking Islanders to fight Canada Post cuts

quote:

"We are seeing an explosion of on-line shopping," said Clay. "A lot of what I carry as a letter carrier day to day is little packets that people are ordering on-line. We deliver that door to door.

"In 1996 we moved 8.2 billion pieces of mail. In 2012 we moved 9.6 billion," said Clay.

The corporation has different divisions, including its purchase of Purolator Courier Ltd., and overall, it makes a huge profit, the meeting was told.

Its postal office division could offer banking services, as is done in many other countries, offering a new stream of revenue, said Scott Gaudet, a postal worker from Summerside.

Clay said Canada Post has a promotion in place to encourage people to use on-line billing, an absurd promotion for a mail-delivery company.

"There doesn't seem to be any logic to any of it," said Charlottetown Councillor Edward Rice of the proposed cuts and changes.

"When you ask for a clear answer, you don't get one," said Clay. "It just seems to be a purposeful dismantling of the company."

Canadian Postal Service Charter

Gaudet said he thinks the goal is privatization.

"I think it's important that people do start to understand what's happening to the post office," said Gaudet. "The current government wants to cut it up and sell it off to their friends."

There are currently 42 letter carriers in the Charlottetown district, serving 31 mail routes, said Clay.

"Every three routes will become one so we will go from 31 to 10, maybe 12 letter carriers," he said.

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/News/Local/2014-03-24/article-3661841/Union...

Wed, 2014-03-26 10:14

#123

epaulo13

Fredericton asks Canada Post to maintain door-to-door service

quote:

By making the switch, Canada Post said they’ll be saving over $400-million a year. But opponents like Ruth Breen with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, claim there are other costs – and that those costs could be transferred to the municipalities and the taxpayer.

“Where are they going to go? How is the traffic going to move around that spot when you have 100 vehicles turning around in the same location on all hours of the day and night? What does that mean for city infrastructure around lighting and policing?” Breen said.

Fredericton city council wants to know the answers to those questions too. They joined other cities from across the country and passed a resolution asking Canada Post to maintain door–to-door service.

Councilor Greg Ericson said it’s not just about the cash, but also the social costs.

“Municipal leaders are very close and very aware of the social costs of the removal of services. Several of my colleagues spoke to how this will impact the community of elder Frederictonians, and Frederictonians with impairment issues,” Ericson said.

Breen is also concerned with where the community boxes will go....

http://globalnews.ca/news/1230045/fredericton-asks-canada-post-to-mainta...

Fri, 2014-03-28 16:38

#124

epaulo13

Fredericton joins calls to maintain mail delivery

quote:

The following resolution was passed at the Fredericton City Council meeting on Monday, March 24, 2014.

WHEREAS local governments in Canada have a direct financial interest in the security and stability of Canada’s postal system, to ensure reliable communications with ratepayers and certainty in the timely payment of taxes and other fees;

AND WHEREAS Canada Post, a consistently profitable Crown Corporation, has announced its intention to eliminate residential door-to-door mail delivery in Canada, calling into question the stability of Canada’s postal system, the certainty of communications and payments, and the reliability of business transactions;

AND WHEREAS this proposed change would entail the downloading of responsibilities, costs and liabilities to local government, including requirements for municipal land and right-of-ways, infrastructure such as paving and lighting, and policing related to vandalism, graffiti and mail theft;

AND WHEREAS this fundamental change to Canada’s communications system is unprecedented in the G7 countries and has announced in the absence of any meaningful consultation with local governments, Canada Post customers or postal workers;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the City of Fredericton request that the Federal Government direct Canada Post to maintain the current system of residential door-to-door postal delivery in Canada.

http://nbmediacoop.org/2014/03/26/fredericton-joins-calls-to-maintain-ma...

Tue, 2014-04-22 21:05

#125

NorthReport

And in the USA

Union Blasts Staples-Run Postal Outlets

Postal-Workers Union Ramps Up Campaign to Slow U.S. Postal Service's Partnership With Staples; Unionized Teachers Urged to Shop Elsewhere

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB1000142405270230427990457951803152...

Wed, 2014-04-23 19:00

#126

epaulo13

Media Advisory

Attention: Assignment Editor

OTTAWA – Postal workers are inviting international guests to discuss postal banking. The 2-day symposium takes place in downtown Ottawa on April 26th and 27th.

Keynote speakers for the live-streamed symposium are financial journalist Linda McQuaig and John Anderson -- author of the 2013 Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives study Why Canada Needs a Postal Bank.

They will be joined by representatives from the Communications Workers Union in the UK, from postal unions in New Zealand, France and Italy; geographer Rob Fiedler; and members of anti-poverty groups such as ACORN and Making Waves.

“Postal banking is an international success story that Canadians need to know about,” said Denis Lemelin, National President of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers. “This weekend, we are going to talk about how a postal bank could be the win-win solution to save our public post office.”

http://www.cupw.ca/index.cfm/ci_id/15255/la_id/1.htm

What:

CUPW Financial Services and Postal Banking Symposium

Where:

Ottawa Marriott Hotel, 100 Kent Street, 613-238-1122

When:

April 26-27, 9 am – 5 pm

Thu, 2014-04-24 18:13

#127

epaulo13

Municipalities Resist Canada Post’s Cuts

The number of towns and cities that support door-to-door delivery is now on par with the number of communities that Canada Post consulted with prior to announcing its plan to privatize more post offices, hike postage rates to unaffordable levels, and make our country the first in the world to eliminate door-to-door delivery.

quote:

The Municipalities are:

Victoria, BC
Medicine Hat, AB
Vancouver, BC
Sannich, BC
Sault Ste Marie, ON
Kirkland Lake, ON
New Westminster, BC
Montreal, QC Charlottetown, PEI
Fort Erie, ON
Georgina, ON
Windsor, ON
Toronto, ON
Brantford, ON
Antigonish, NS
Castlegar, BC
Burnaby, BC
Winnipeg, MB
Hamilton, ON
Dieppe, NB
La Sarre, QC
Notre-Dame-des-Prairies, QC
Baie-Comeau, QC
Truro, NS
Fort St. John, BC
Nelson, BC
Kenora, ON
Mascouche, QC
Repentigny, QC
Saint-Valérien de Milton, QC
Boucherville, QC
St. John's, NL
Timmins, ON
Miramichi, NB
Brandon, MB
Smithers, BC
Thompson, MB
Brampton, ON
Temiskaming Shores, ON
Bathurst, NB
West Vancouver, BC
Huron Shores, ON London, ON
Rosemère, QC
Joliette, QC
North Vancouver, BC

In addition to the municipalities, 5 municipal bodies or organizations also passed resolutions:

Union des municipalités du Quebec
Federation of Canadian Municipalities Big Mayors Caucus
MRC D'Abitibi-Quest
MRC des Maskoutains
MRC de Thérèse-De Blainville

Please do what you can to make sure your municipality gets added to this list.

http://www.cupw.ca/index.cfm/ci_id/15260/la_id/1.htm

Tue, 2014-05-06 20:04

#128

epaulo13

For Immediate Release

OTTAWA - The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) is stepping up its campaign for better postal services and innovations such as postal banking in the wake of Canada Post's latest annual report.

"Our postal system is a valuable public service available to all who live in this country and that's how it should stay. We need to believe in its future and help it grow, not kill another public service with cutbacks that will drive customers away," said Denis Lemelin, National President of CUPW.

An international symposium recently held in Ottawa discussed the possibility of bringing back the postal bank in Canada, which had flourished from the days of Confederation to the late 1960s. A Stratcom poll in April 2014 showed that 64% of respondents supported the idea of a postal bank. Canada Post had also been looking at the idea but refuses to release the results of its postal banking study for public review.

"Canada Post shouldn't be engaging in a planned demolition of public postal service," said Lemelin. "This annual report is a clear sign that the present managers of Canada Post need to rethink their plans."

http://www.cupw.ca/index.cfm/ci_id/15323/la_id/1.htm

Sun, 2014-05-18 10:43

#129

epaulo13

..this wildcat strike forced the federal gov to extend the right to strike and bargain collectively to the entire public sector.

Memory and Muscle

video

A history of the 1965 postal strike. By the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ka6ams6dEmo#t=67

Tue, 2014-05-20 17:28

#130

David Young

Just imagine, if the Harper government can get Canada Post to cut urban door-to-door delivery during this mandate, what's to stop the Harper (or next Conservative leader) government from setting their sights on Rural Route delivery after the next election?

There's nothing to stop the Cons from putting the same policies in place for the millions of rural Canadians after the next election.

Tue, 2014-05-20 17:51

#131

epaulo13

..i have better things to imagine. :) but i get your point.

Wed, 2014-05-21 11:59

#132

epaulo13

For Immediate Release

OTTAWA - Canada Post's plan to cut door-to-door delivery is getting the thumbs down from most Canadians, a new poll has found.

60% of respondents to a Stratcom survey* oppose Canada Post's plan to replace door-to-door delivery with delivery to a community mailbox.

'The public outcry began the moment these cuts were announced by Canada Post and approved by the Conservatives,' said Denis Lemelin, National President of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers. ''Lawn signs are going up all across the country. People are organizing. Municipalities are taking action.'

To date, 61 municipalities - close to 30% of the population –have passed resolutions or sent letters in support of door-to-door delivery or opposing the cuts. **

In addition, 6 municipal bodies or organizations have voiced concerns, including the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Big City Mayors' Caucus, representing 22 of the largest cities in Canada and 65% of the country's population.

'It's time for the Conservatives to start listening to people or face the consequences in the upcoming election,' said Lemelin, noting that the Conservatives won the 2011 election with just 39.6 % of the popular vote...

http://www.cupw.ca/index.cfm/ci_id/15375/la_id/1.htm

Sat, 2014-07-12 19:12

#133

epaulo13

July 11, 2014 - 09:00

Save Canada Post / Media Release

For Immediate Release

OTTAWA - The Canadian Union of Postal Workers is reacting angrily today to news that the Prime Minister’s office recently researched the privatization of public postal services.

“We suspected the Conservatives were interested in privatization all along,” said Denis Lemelin, CUPW National President. “First they convince the public the service is in trouble, and then they sell it out from under us. If privatization happens, the public will lose an important and valuable service. We will not allow this to happen.”

Blacklock’s Reporter obtained the heavily censored document via an Access to Information Request. Senior staff sent a secret memo to Stephen Harper that discussed the privatization of U.K.’s Royal Mail just two months before Canada Post announced its radical cutback plan, including the elimination of home delivery. The Harper government endorsed the cuts despite widespread public opposition.

“By letting Canada Post eliminate door-to-door delivery, the federal government is making Canada Post more attractive to private sector investors by cutting the cost of operating the post office,” said Lemelin.

The secret memo reported that the controversial sale of Royal Mail, which created a scandal due to the artificially lowered prices of the shares, only benefited large businesses and “other postal consumers did not benefit as prices increased and delivery efficiency declined.” The memo also noted that Royal Mail’s obligation to deliver universal service to all its citizens had been severely risked.

“The only efficiency that privatization achieves is efficiently transferring money from the public treasury to private pockets,” said Lemelin.

“The majority of us will see even more rising prices and worsening services if our public post office is privatized.”

The union is writing to the Prime Minister’s office to request that Stephen Harper assure Canadians he has no plan to privatize postal service.

http://www.cupw.ca/index.cfm/ci_id/15467/la_id/1.htm

Sat, 2014-07-26 13:34

#134

epaulo13

July 24, 2014

On December 11, 2013, Canada Post Corporation announced a plan to change public postal service as we know it and the federal government endorsed this plan.

CUPW recognizes that Canada Post needs to change, but does not think that offering less service for higher rates is the way forward. The union has developed a more viable plan for the corporation's future called A Better Public Postal Service For Everyone! It's Time:

Fair postage rates:
Recently the Conservatives authorized increases of 35% to 59% for individuals. The increases for business mailers were 15% to 19%. That’s not fair. Postage rates should be affordable and equal for everyone.

Accessible delivery:
The Conservative government is supporting Canada Post’s plan to eliminate door-to-door delivery to more than 5 million homes. This will cause serious problems for people with restricted mobility. Canada Post should maintain door-to-door delivery and convert to more door-to-door delivery as finances permit. It’s time to put people first!

Maintaining rural and urban post offices:
Canada Post management has been closing post offices. It’s time to make better use of the largest retail network in the country to provide more services to the public.

Re-introducing financial services:
It’s time for Canada Post to follow the example of postal services in countries such as Switzerland, France, the UK and Italy and use its network to provide banking and financial services.

Transparency and accountability:
Back-room meetings and secret studies have to end. We need real consultation. Canada Post’s 800-page secret study described postal banking as a “win-win” strategy. It’s time for truth instead of cover-ups and spin.

A greener post:
Canada Post is an environmentally positive option for parcels and courier items. It’s time to consolidate delivery services for consumers and reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions.

Respect and decent working conditions:
Postal workers deserve safe and healthy working conditions. It’s time to make this a priority.

http://www.cupw.ca/index.cfm/ci_id/15486/la_id/1.htm

Sat, 2014-07-26 13:58

#135

David Young

There's a very interesting letter to the editor in today's Chronicle Herald by Dartmouth-Cole Harbour M.P. Robert Chisholm, in which he says that Canada Post is going to purchase the new Community Mail Boxes (CMB) from the United States Postal Service.

Talk about the Conservatives adding insult to injury!

Mon, 2014-08-11 18:02

#136

epaulo13

Why Banking at the Post Office Could Be a Better Option Than Payday Loans—and Wall Street

USPS used to offer financial services. Proponents say that bringing them back could buffer us from financial meltdowns and alleviate poverty. Here's why it just might work.

The U.S. post office on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. is a bastion on its Harlem block. Entrenched beside a pawnshop, a cash-for-gold business, and a commercial bank many in the neighborhood are unable to use, the facility is essentially a fortress. Complete with heavy brick walls, steel screens, vaults, ATMs, and armored trucks, the premises evoke one word: Security. If you’ve followed recent news, they also suggest a second word: Bank.

Post offices are built like banks.

And that’s just one reason why postal banking, a hot idea in economic policy debates, is viable. Physical and operational structures already exist that could help USPS offer basic financial services: prepaid debit cards, mobile transactions, new check cashing services, savings accounts, and even simple, small-dollar loans.

“There’s a post office every five blocks in Manhattan—there’s accessibility in every zip code,” explained Frankie Wright, 32, a USPS Supervisor of Customer Services in East Harlem. “On an operational level, we’re already capable.”...

http://www.yesmagazine.org/new-economy/the-return-of-the-postal-bank

Sun, 2014-10-19 09:58

#137

epaulo13

The fight for Canada Post is escalating

On Monday, October 20, the first deliveries to Canada Post’s new community mailboxes will take place. But the fight against the complete elimination of home delivery, job losses, and the preparation for Canada Post privatization are unfolding around the country.

Today, the Canada Post sorting plant in Repentigny, Quebec was occupied before being pushed out by police. Protesters then blockaded trucks with picket lines. Yesterday in Dieppe (near Moncton), pickets, organized by the Moncton & District Labour Council, blockaded the postal depot for two hours. More actions are planned across the country next week....

http://rankandfile.ca/2014/10/17/the-fight-for-canada-post-is-escalating/

.........

Can We Save Door to Door Mail Delivery? (video)

Solidarity Against Austerity and the coalition of community and labour organizations organizing to save home mail delivery discuss the disinformation propaganda from Canada Post and in contrast, discuss it's demonstrable viability and the real needs served in the community with home mail delivery.

Kevin Skerrett : Solidarity Against Austerity, Introduction
Nancy Parker: Retired from CUPE, Moderator 8:43
Trevor Hache, Kanata resident and activist 11:17
Geoff Bickerton, Research Director, CUPW 19:40
Nadia Willard, ACORN Ottawa 35:43
Kevin Skerrett shares Councillor Marianne Wilkinson's thoughts on the issue 45:48
David Abuwa, Candidate for City Council, Kanata South, 49:15

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ry916QIl7MA#t=146

Sun, 2015-02-22 18:53

#138

onlinediscountanvils

[url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/canada-post-community-mailboxes-n... Post community mailboxes not welcome, Montreal officials say[/url]

A committee convened by the city to study issues surrounding the quality of life of Montrealers will table recommendations on Monday urging the city to say no to Canada Post's community mailboxes.

The committee — la Commission sur le développement social et la diversité montréalaise — is composed of city and borough mayors and councillors from different pockets of Montreal.

The motion being tabled criticizes Canada Post for lacking transparency and pushing through its plan to replace home-delivery service without properly consulting municipalities and their residents.

"The lack of transparency, the lack of public consultation and quite frankly, just the arrogance in moving forward with something when they clearly know that [there are] problems," committee member and Verdun city councillor Sterling Downey says.

Downey says the superboxes would be bad news for Montrealers, particularly those with any kind of mobility issue.

Sun, 2015-02-22 20:35

#139

Mr. Magoo

What should Canada Post have done? Just asked everyone whether they prefer having their mail delivered right to their door or going to get it at a community mailbox?

Should there have been any doubt that everyone would prefer the "delivered to the door" option? I'm pretty sure that if they consulted the majority of Canadians who currently don't get their mail delivered to their door, those Canadians would also express a preference for "to the door" service.

But what are Canadians doing to make this more realistic? Are they forgoing the convenience of e-mail, getting out their fountain pen and stationery, and writing a physical letter -- and more importantly, buying a stamp?

Walking around the city I'm often amused at how many residential mailboxes I see with a taped-on note saying "NO JUNK MAIL". Ok, then, I guess Canada Post is supposed to stay financially viable by delivering one Christmas card and one birthday card each year from Grandma? But we demand that, to our door.

Quote:
Downey says the superboxes would be bad news for Montrealers, particularly those with any kind of mobility issue.

They need to take some lessons from the many Canadians who've NEVER had "to the door" mail service.

I lived in a town with a central Post Office where everyone's mail was delivered. There was simply no such thing as "to the door" mail delivery there. And yet even those with a bum hip, or who used a walker, seemed to receive mail.

I'm not saying this because I hate Canada Post, or because I hate people with mobility issues. But it's not really that hard to see how, in this day and age, the service that originated so that people could send each other letters and postcards and such might be feeling a wee pinch in the pocketbook now that nobody needs to spend a dollar, nor wait a few days, in order to communicate with someone else.

And I say this as someone who currently enjoys "to the door" delivery. I may miss it when it's gone, but if I'm going to be honest, it's not like I really support Canada Post WITH MY DOLLARS when I have the choice to pay bills online, send an e-mail, etc.

Sun, 2015-02-22 21:00

#140

Aristotleded24

Mr. Magoo wrote:
What should Canada Post have done?

That's a very good question, and I don't have the answer. We all agree that Canada Post faces challenges with the digital revolution in how people communicate, and what's the best way to adapt. Cancelling home delivery is not adapting, it's rolling over and giving up.

Sun, 2015-02-22 21:14

#141

Mr. Magoo

Quote:
Cancelling home delivery is not adapting, it's rolling over and giving up.

Then the question is even more important. You or I might not have the answer; if Canada Post also doesn't have an answer, should they just soldier on with home delivery, and pay mail carriers with IOUs?

Your comment suggests that there MUST BE an answer, but Canada Post would rather throw in the towel than explore it. They responded to couriers like UPS and Purolator. They tried "e-Post". Is there something else they're ignoring? Diversify, and also sell housewares at discount prices? Try to steal some business from Uber?

Some technologies in our world have simply become obsolete. Maybe communication scribbled by hand on pieces of dead tree are one of them.

Canada Post plans to cut thousands of jobs

Pages