President MacLean: Show your support for postal workers!

Good afternoon,

As you have likely heard, our Sisters & Brothers who work at Canada Post have been trying to negotiate with their employer  to protect their jobs and important benefits and principles, such as pay equity and a defined benefit pension plan. The employer has turned its back on their employees and have been dragging out these negotiations since December 2015, barely negotiating through the summer.

Yesterday, the CEO of Canada Post, went so far as to refuse a request from the federal Minister of Labour for an extension of timelines to allow for ongoing talks. This action forced the union to file its 72-hour notice of job action which will put it in a legal strike position as of 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 28. During this last 72 hour period, both CUPW and the employer, have agreed to mediation in the hopes of reaching a deal.

The fight to stop a two tiered pension system and maintain defined benefit plans as well as the fight for pay equity are important to all workers. The result of this struggle will have ripple effects that will be felt throughout the labour movement.

If CUPW members do go on strike or are locked out, my hope is that NSGEU members step up and show their support to their fellow union members in whatever way they can. If you would like more information or are interested in ways you can support your postal workers please visit:

http://www.cupw.ca/en/collective-agreements/urban-and-rsmc-negotiations

Thank you in advance for standing united with your fellow workers.

In solidarity,

Jason MacLean