Local Dispatch (25/02/26)
Friends and comrades,
In this week's Dispatch, we are covering the most recent Industrial Inquiry Commission hearing, the March GMM, a meeting to discuss calling for an early National Convention, upcoming Local Executive Committee elections, an upcoming Education Committee meeting, and tomorrow's day of action for education workers.
Solidarity,
Kyle Turner, Communications Officer
Industrial Inquiry Commission Update
The fourth day of hearings wrapped up on February 20th. Our union proposed recommendations for service expansion, with costed proposals based on successful international examples (like France's postal banking system). In response, the Corporation continued to repeat its past talking points and asked to have our union's revenue-generating solutions not included in the final report.
The next hearings are scheduled for March 25th. To read the full bulletin about the fourth day of hearings, click HERE. You can read about our union's plans to expand postal services HERE. Negotiations are set to resume on March 1st and 2nd with Commissioner Kaplan serving as mediator.
March GMM
Our next GMM is Saturday, March 1st at 10 am. This is a hybrid meeting, so you can attend in person at the hall (18121 107 Ave NW) or online via Zoom. The deadline to register to attend online is Friday, February 28th at noon. For more information and to register to attend online, click HERE.
To download a QR code that will take you to the online registration, click HERE.
Meeting to Discuss Calling for an Early National Convention
At the February GMM, the Local passed a motion to hold a one day meeting of delegates to the Regional Conference and National Convention, as well as any interested members, to discuss the invocation of Article 3.41 to call for an early National Convention. This meeting will follow the March GMM.
Local Executive Committee Elections
The deadline for nominations for the Local Executive Committee election is quickly approaching (Friday, February 28th at 5 pm). The positions up for election are Secretary-Treasurer, Grievance Officer, 1st Vice-President (Organizing), 3rd Vice-President (Collections and Delivery), and 5th Vice-President (Garage, Maintenance, Registration, and Wickets).
Upcoming Education Committee Meeting
The next Education Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4th at 8 pm via Zoom. For more information and for the link to attend this meeting, click HERE.
Education Day of Action
There are two overlapping events to support education workers on Thursday, February 27th.
First is a rally to support members of CUPE 3550. Buses will be picking up members and supporters from the 3 picket lines (M.A. LaZerte - 6804 144 Ave NW, Ross Sheppard - 13546 111 Ave NW, and Elder Dr. Francis Whiskeyjack - 2410 17 St NW) at 1 pm and arriving at the Legislature (10800 97 Ave) for 2 pm.
Second is a March to Defend Public Education. The march starts at the Edmonton Convention Centre (9797 Jasper Ave) at 3:30 pm and will be meeting up with the CUPE rally at the Legislature at 4 pm.
With these two events coming together, there is the potential for thousands of education workers and their supporters to be at the Legislature. Please come out if you can make it!
Reminders
- Strike Relief Fund Merch: For more information, see prior Dispatch HERE.
- CUPE 3550 Picket Pantry: Picket pantry is still open in the back of the office (18121 107 Ave NW). If you have donations, they can be dropped off Monday-Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
- GoFundMe for Member of Edmonton Local: To donate or share, click HERE.
- Community Resources Information Sheet: For a list of community resources, click HERE.
- Union Education Program: Deadline is March 1st, 2025, for information and to apply, click HERE.
- Disability Supports: To access the Disability Supports portal, which provides a list of programs and services in your community, click HERE.
- Union Savings: To take part in these savings, you can register at unionsavings.ca/