Brothers, Sisters, and Cousins,

Today, December 13^th, the Minister of Labour ordered the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to determine if an agreement can be reached between the Canada Post Corporation (CPC) and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) before the new year.

If the CIRB determines that a new agreement cannot be reached, then we are to be ordered back to work under our old contract and there will be an inquiry to determine how a contract could be reached by May 25^th, 2025.

This is worse than binding arbitration. The delay will allow the government to relieve the pressure created by the strike on the logistics system. This will also potentially allow for a new majority government to be elected, which can then use back-to-work legislation, with no consideration for our needs as essential workers in this country. It will continue to crush our rights and force us to become slaves in the new economy of 8-hour work weeks and no benefits, pensions, or pay increases.

On November 2^nd, 2024, the Executive Committee of this Local was ordered by the General Membership to take a vote should we be ordered back to work, and it seems the government intends to do just that.

From the motion passed at the November GMM:

• That if the government orders and/or legislates postal workers back to work, CUPW Local 730 will host a membership-wide vote on the picket lines on whether or not to defy the government and continue the strike.

As such, the Local will be holding votes for the Edmonton area at the Edmonton Mail Processing Plant (12135 149 St) on the picket lines starting on Saturday, December 14^th, 2024. The scheduled times for these votes are 4 am, 11 am, 3 pm, and 8 pm.

Details for votes for the affiliate offices outside of Edmonton are forthcoming.

Your future depends on what happens with these votes, as this strike could make history like those who came before us in 1981, 1978, and the action that created our very union in 1965.

In solidarity,

James Ball, President

CUPW Local 730 – Edmonton & Affiliates