November 30, 2008
UPCE STRIKE – Day 13 & 14
NOVA SCOTIA
Picket lines went up on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in North Sydney and New Waterford in front of the post offices. This provided a good opportunity for UPCE members to provide information to the general public on the issues surrounding the strike. The public seemed to be more aware of the issues. Members were joined on the line by a CUPW worker in New Waterford who stayed on the line for most of the picketing time. The mail carriers continued to support and respect the picket lines.
Picket lines ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m in Halifax on Saturday. It was a beautiful sunny day. Members were joined by other PSAC members in solidarity. Sister Jeannie Baldwin, REVP - Atlantic also joined the picket line. Sister Baldwin conducted a radio interview with the Nova Scotia Community College to talk about the strike. The picket lines went back up on Sunday evening from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Picket lines ran both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Antigonish. On Saturday, members anxiously awaited the arrival of MP Peter MacKay who had informed the UPCE National Officer that he would stop by the line on his way to present medals to the volunteer firemen in town. Just before 2 p.m. a fireman came by the line to inform the picketers that Peter called to say that he was running late and would not be arriving until after 4 p.m. and going directly to the ceremony. Peter had the cell phone numbers of the local president and the Atlantic National Officer but did not phone them to inform them of his delay. It was obvious to the members that he was intentionally trying to avoid the striking workers. The members felt let down and were furious. Despite the disappointment, their spirits and the morale of the members remained high.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Fredericton - Picket lines went up during the weekend at Waggoner's Lane. On Saturday, picketers had a wonderful surprise: Richard DesLauriers, UPCE National President and Mike Moeller, RVP Atlantic arrived on the line to picket. Members were very happy to see Richard and Mike and had a surprise for them. The strike captains from Moncton and Saint John came to Fredericton to meet with Richard and Mike who had tried, but did not have enough time to visit all three picketing sites in N.B. On top of that, CTV came to the line and did interviews with both Richard and Mike and filmed our picketers.
MONCTON - Picket line was up at the Dieppe Depot until 5 p.m. After a short break, the picketers resumed at 10 p.m. for another all nighter. Spirits were high.
ST. JOHN'S
Saturday, picket lines went up at 6:45 a.m. in St. John's. Members talked to each letter carrier as they reported to work. They also provided information to drivers who were leaving the premises for the Airport. Also, members convinced management not to have postal trucks wait on the street.
As previously arranged by members on strike, postal trucks will wait on a private parking lot adjacent the Postal compound.
Brother Gordon Lake from UCTE Local 90915 turned up with a $600.00 donation from the Local. The rain was wet but spirits were high. The picket line was solid as members received great support from CUPW.
On Sunday, The St. John's members decided to spend the day filling out cards to MPs and phoning the 1-800 Postal numbers. They will be back on the line 6:30 a.m. on Monday.
NCR
Lines were up and strong all weekend at the Alta Vista plant. Great participation and support. Spirits were high and the donations to strike pay helped boost morale. The members had a good surprise when PSAC National Executive Vice-President, Patty Ducharme, came on the picket line. Her presence lifted the spirits to a higher level and her words of encouragement and support reinforced the members' determination to keep on fighting for their rights.
LONDON
On Saturday, London members held a strategy meeting to set up next week's events. Windsor is organizing community support for action next week. Lines were doing very well. Morale was good everywhere.
VANCOUVER
On Saturday, members set pickets up in the early afternoon at the Vancouver Canada Post Main Depot and spirits were good. CUPW drivers stopped and talked to PSAC members. Management came out to say there was an injunction. Members responded that it was not official as it was not in both official languages, so they could not accept it. Members had a good laugh. Management witnessed members' determination and their solidarity as they broke into a couple lines of “Solidarity Forever”. Management thought they were going to defy the injunction, but members kept them guessing.
On Sunday, members picketed at the Richmond Plant called the Vancouver Parcel depot. Managers were called out to monitor their activities. Members respected the injunction. They walked in the driveway until a vehicle would arrive. They then stepped aside and talked to the driver.
Date Modified : 2010/07/29
