November 27, 2008
UPCE STRIKE – Day 11
NOVA SCOTIA
Spirits were high this morning on the picket lines in Sydney. Betty Kennedy, NVP Union of National Employees, dropped by the picket line to offer encouragement and support. The members were appreciative of the support received by CUPW members. Antigonish - The lines went up early in the morning in Antigonish and the members continued to walk in solidarity. Halifax - The members encouraged each other to stay strong in support of the strike. Management was caught by surprise last night with a line in Halifax from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. CUPW members joined the lines and provided hot chocolate.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Fredericton - Many members went to Saint John in order to give picketers a boost.
Saint John –Many members were on the line today as Saint John was chosen as the area to picket. Traffic was not blocked on the street as per an agreement between management, the union and the city police; however, traffic was blocked inside the compound. Four police cars were called by management. It was quite chaotic for the employer today.
Moncton – In the morning, the picketers had the visit from Canada Post's legal counsel. But PSAC members had their own counsel, Edith Bramwell was in town and she paid a little visit to the picketers in Moncton. Members were extremely happy to see her, especially since she brought them subs from Subway. Members prepared a little surprise for Canada Post Management in the evening. The line went off at 7 p.m. (same as usual), but members came back on the line at 10 p.m. at night for an all nighter. They also have a surprise planned tomorrow,..stay tuned.
ST. JOHN'S
Picket lines in St. John's went up at 3 p.m. Members' spirits were high as they plan further activities. CUPW gave excellent support.
MONTREAL
Members were able to slowdown operations at the Canada Post facility at 225 Bridge Street for 3 hours before the police arrived. When the police was stationed on Bridge Street, about 30 strikers took off for the post office in Brossard where the municipal police was also awaiting them. Strikers then turned around and went to Longueil where they were able to have a strong picket line. The police arrived later. Tomorrow, the members will have visitors from Ottawa.
QUEBEC CITY
As early as 4 a.m. this morning, members of the Québec local made their way to the Hugues Randin Distribution Centre. Two minutes later, police officers arrived on site to prevent any slow down. Members took off for another postal outlet, closely followed by police officers who had been notified by management. Five patrol cars for 38 strikers! Incredible that such a small number can monopolize the whole police fleet…
NCR
John Gordon, PSAC National President attended a large noon hour meeting with the members. Gordon's message was very clear: Members are fed up with Canada Post's efforts to manipulate them. United they tell Moya Greene: “JUST GET BACK TO THE BARGAINING TABLE”. Members received many reports to the effect that work and service are affected severely. They are determined to stay out.
TORONTO
Members saw the Canada Post website (or heard from those who have seen) and are furious.
The lines at Stoney Creek were strong two days in a row. Members from CUPW and CUPW Regional Union Representative - Joe Kotska along with Gerry Halabecki REVP for Ontario walked with members at Stony Creek. The lines remained up at Midland and a new picket line was set up at the Pickering Postal Plant. The word on the street is that no mail was delivered to the Durham areas. The lines at South Central and Gateway were up and strong. A new picket line was set up at Downsview plant. Members heard that in Downsview there was no mail delivery. There was a meeting of UPCE Local 108 executive and picket captains at the Toronto Regional Office. The meeting was called to strategize for the next week on the picket line.
LONDON
Windsor picket line was up at 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Thanks to the CAW members for their ongoing help Kitchener -Members set up a picket line 8 a.m. and stayed until noon In London, some early birds set up picket lines up at 4:30 a.m. and walked until 9 a.m. At 2 p.m., there was a community rally and Gerry Halabecki PSAC REVP addressed the participants. There were also representatives from other labour organisations like CUPW, CAW, Labour Council and other PSAC locals. Management wants an injunction against our Flying Squad picketers that are hitting the depots to great effect.
WINNIPEG
Members had a great day today as the warm temperature allowed them to have some fun on the line. Members had a noon hour BBQ with their supporters! Strike headquarters has been a gathering place where daily reports and updates were provided. This is keeping members informed on the latest developments. Numerous members are picketing longer than their scheduled shifts and will provide whatever support is required to keep the line strong!
SASKATOON
The members on the line postponed their strike action until 2:30 p.m., much to the surprise of Canada Post management. A large rally was held at 3:00 p.m. and featured members from many Saskatoon and region unions. There were speakers from CUPW and PSAC Area Council, all out to show their support. The press was notified and with the beautiful warm weather and sunny conditions, we had a wonderful crowd.
REGINA
Members had a great day. CUPW showed support on the line again today. Members continue to be strong. Truck drivers are becoming friendlier and more cooperative. One brought out his puppy and spent some time visiting. Rumour has it there will be visitors tomorrow. Members are looking forward to it. They are actively planning for their solidarity B.B.Q…
CALGARY
The Calgary group picketed from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday November 26 at the CMPP and also at the Purolator outlet. Janet May the RVP visited from Winnipeg and joined the lines. We also had several CUPW members. The president of the Teamsters Purolator division joined our lines for two hours at the Purolator plant. Drivers were respectful very vocal in demonstrating their support. With all this excitement, the air mail truck subsequently missed the plane. Picketers were out on Thursday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and the second shift was on the line from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Calgary main postal plant. There were some rumors being circulated by Canada Post that our line had caved on Monday but they later discovered we had simply moved our picket location to the Chinook outlet for the day. We will be picketing various locations to keep CP guessing.
EDMONTON
The good weather is holding with lots of sunshine. Lines were up at the sorting plant from 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Spirits continue to be high and members are angry with the continuing misinformation and propaganda that the corporation continues to produce. No doubt it gives the members the energy to continue with this struggle knowing that they are fighting the good fight!
VANCOUVER
On Wednesday, the TWU Telus members joined PSAC members on the picket line today and increased everyone's spirits. They walked around the Canada Post building blowing whistles and everyone was laughing at all the Managers and Security personnel that were out. They appeared to be a dazed and confused. A delegation of UPCE members made their way to the BC Federation of Labour Convention at about 10:00 a.m. Pacific time. After, there was a rally across the street from the Post Office. Jim Sinclair, President of the BC Fed addressed the crowd along with other speakers.
Date Modified : 2011/09/08
