Solidarity,

 

Kyle Turner, Communications Officer

Our employer has been busy putting out media releases about its financial losses. In fact, it reported a loss of $748-million last year. Part of the reason CPC cites is the competitors who use contractors to deliver. Using contractors allows for lower delivery costs because they generally do not have the benefits that come with being an employee.

 

We can see the difference between a union and a corporation on this matter pretty easily. While a boss would suggest getting closer to that contractor model, as members of a union we should be looking to unionize the competition.

 

Craig Dyer, President of CUPW Local 126, looks at these reported losses with suspicion. Dyer responded to VOCM by saying that we are in our sixth month of contract negotiations and the Corporation has invested hundreds of millions of dollars across the country in new vehicles and technology.

 

Since it was founded in 1981, the Canada Post Corporation has had more profitable years than years with losses. CEO Doug Ettinger says CPC is "committed to leading the change that's necessary to secure the essential service and put it on the path to long-term financial self-sustainability."

 

There is no doubt that things have changed and that CPC needs to follow its mandate to adapt and innovate. The Corporate response, however, has been to sell off its valuable subsidiaries, like SCI Group and Innovapost.

 

CUPW's position is to push for growth and innovation, not cuts. The kind of innovations we are looking for are outlined in our Delivering Community Power program, which includes additional services like senior check-ins and postal banking.

 

Hearings have now concluded on CUPW's constitutional challenge to the use of back-to-work legislation to end our 2018 job actions. Our representatives pointed out during these hearings that our demands will never be taken seriously if CPC can just rely on the Federal Government to bail them out.

 

There is currently no timeline for when Judge Gordon will render his decision, but the outcome of this decision will affect negotiations going forward not just for CUPW but all workers. In 2016, the Ontario Superior Court ruled in CUPW's favour and agreed that the 2011 back-to-work legislation violated our rights and was unconstitutional. So we have won these battles before, but the struggle continues.

 

 

There are a number of updates from the Social Committee. First, the Social Committee now has an email address which you can use to RSVP to events or share ideas with them: socials730@gmail.com. The Social Committee is also creating a mailing list and you can be added to this list at your request.

 

Second, there will be bowling at Bronx Bowling (12940 127th St) on Friday, May 24th, 2024, from 8 pm until 10 pm. This event is free for members and families and pizza and drinks will be included. Please RSVP.

 

Third, there will be a movie night at the union office (18121 107 Ave NW) on Saturday, June 1st, 2024 at 5 pm. We will be watching Young Frankenstein. This is a family-friendly event and the Social Committee will be providing popcorn.

 

Finally, the next Social Committee meeting will be happening at 8 pm on Thursday, May 30th via Zoom. If you wish to attend this meeting, click HERE.

 

 

• Regional Educational: There is an upcoming 3-day Regional educational. If you wish to apply, you must have your application into the Local office by May 17th at 5 pm. For more information, see the previous Dispatch HERE.
   
• Picket Captains: If you are interested in becoming a picket captain during a potential strike period and if we have missed you while canvassing in your work location, please reach out to the Local office at union@cupwedm.net and include your name and work location.
• Disability Supports: To access the Disability Supports portal, which provides a list of programs and services in your community, click HERE.