December 1st, 2008
UPCE STRIKE – Day 15
NOVA SCOTIA
It was a wet and windy day in Nova Scotia but the spirits of UPCE members were not dampened. Picket lines went up strong with members knowing that it was the first day of the "Christmas Season" for Canada Post.
UPCE members were busy working on post cards that were slated to enter the mail system through the day. In Halifax, an extra picketing shift was added to see members on the line from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. each night.
MP Peter Stoffer was scheduled to visit the picket line in Halifax on Monday morning but sent his regrets as he was called back to Ottawa late Sunday evening.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Moncton, Fredericton & Saint John - It was pouring rain, the nastiest day yet on the picket line, but the sun came out in the afternoon with temperatures reaching 11 degrees. Spirits were high and members were passing flyers in the morning in Moncton to CUPW members and all drivers coming and going out of the plant (flyer topic: the definition of a scab.
ST. JOHN'S
Picket lines went up at 5:45 a.m. Members delayed the 6:30 a.m. shift and the 07:00 a.m. shift. When both shifts were in the members completed approximately 300 post cards. They dropped them in several mail boxes to make for a better mix. They re-established the picket line at 8:30 a.m. just in time to greet the letter carriers as they headed out. There were some interesting visitors on the picket line including: Goldie Porter from the St. John's and District Labour Council and Debbie Forward who heads up the Nurses' Union. The picket line came down at noon when the members proceeded to strike headquarters and strategize for tomorrow. Picket line solid. Spirits high.
MONTREAL
Five o'clock this morning, under the rain, members welcomed trucks for more that three hours at 555 McArthur. At around 6.30 a.m., two groups took the road to visit two Canada Post outlets: one on the south shore, the other on the north shore of the Island. In each case, police came on site at the request of Canada Post. Members negotiated with the police and had a solid picket line for 3 hours.
QUEBEC CITY
Members of the Québec Local had an excellent morning. A mini-snowstorm didn't dampen members' spirits who decided to “visit” four letter carrier depots and set up picket lines. A move that caught Canada Post somewhat by surprise. Each and every Canada Post employee was approached, which considerably slowed the flow of trucks and letter carriers on their way out to do their routes. Everyone is satisfied with their morning.
NCR
Lines were up despite foul weather and the members did not let it dampen their spirits. The donations to the strike pay are very much appreciated by the members. A series of activities are planned for the week so stay tuned to hear about them here.
TORONTO
On Sunday the Hamilton and Toronto UPCE locals held a joint meeting in the afternoon. The meeting included updates on strike action across the country and strategy for this week. Speakers brought messages of encouragement and direct reports on the impact the strikers were having on Canada Post. Speakers were Erna Post, Lyrissa McFadden and Jim Chorostecki from PSAC and Jane Marsh from CUPW They were over 115 members who attended the meeting, they left feeling rejuvenated and ready to take Canada Post on and stay the course. The lines were up and strong at Gateway, South Central, Midland and Stoney Creek. There are two new lines up on Monday one at 1 Yonge St and Weston A, (which is in the Lawrence and Weston Rd areas). Since these lines went there is little or no mail moving from these two areas.
LONDON
Picket lines were up at UPCE Kitchener fom 4 a.m. until 8 a.m. Thanks to the Parks members for their help. London lines went up at 3:30 a.m. and stayed until 9 p.m. London Flying Squad ran very effective lines at Depot 5 today. Windsor Lines went up at 8 a.m. and stayed up until the last truck was out (2 p.m.)
WINNIPEG
On Sunday 12 picketers in Winnipeg held the lines and talked strategy with the RVP for the Western Region, Janet May, on week three!
Winnipeg is back for week three! With continued picketing over the weekend into this week, the members showed that their resolve is strong. A group of enthusiasts caught Canada Post off guard today by coming in at 5 a.m. and starting the line around the mail trucks parked out front as they tried to avoid the picket lines. There was a lot of talk about the state of the government and what that means for us as public service workers and as Canadians. Tomorrow will bring a CUPW sponsored lunch and a visit by the western negotiating team member so the group is looking forward to a chance speak with Rene Freeden.
SASKATOON
The picket line was up from 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., changing the location and schedule has become part of the members' strategic plan. Other PSAC members plan to join the line after work. The eight sisters have really appreciated the support they received from so many last week. On Friday, local Agriculture President, Elena Beynon, joined the line early in the morning and USGE local brought out a vat of coffee to keep them all warm. Saskatoon Area Council President, Carol Casey, brought out gift cards and met with the picketers to bring messages of support from the Saskatoon Area Council. Mike Brecht, VP of CEIU Local 40802 came out to bring greetings and a gift from his local. With continued support the members are confident the line will stay strong!
REGINA
It was a chilly morning in Regina this morning but morale was high. CUPW members joined the picketers again on the line. The members modified the picketing schedule on Friday which confused the employer. Many truck drivers showed up early in the morning and to their surprise members were there waiting to greet them ! The members are looking forward to their solidarity B.B.Q. later this week.
CALGARY
Members of the UPCE Local 30100 came on the picket line at the main Postal Plant today. At 11:30 a.m., members had a rally and a B.B.Q. on the picket line. Approximately 8 members of the Teamsters joined the line, as well as many CUPW members. The UPCE Bargaining Team member from Edmonton was also on the line with all the picketers from the Local.
EDMONTON
Picket lines were set up at 5 a.m. in Edmonton at the main post office and stayed there until 2 p.m. Members also set up a line downtown so it would be a lot easier for other PSAC members to show their solidarity and join the line. The picketers explained to any members who are crossing the lines how they are affected by the STD. There were very few that crossed. Members though subdued today remain determined and tomorrow they are going to mix it up and maybe have a little surprise for management.
VANCOUVER
Pickets have been set up at the Main Canada Post Building in downtown Vancouver. A CEIU member who has a strong knowledge of E.I. will come and brief the members. He will also answer any questions they may have in relation to Canada Post's abuse of the E.I. funds, and its relationship to the employer's proposal.
VICTORIA
Members spent a number of hours calling Canada Post's 1-800 numbers. They held a strategy meeting in the morning to plan for this week's activities. They ended the day by picketing a retail outlet. CUPW continued to provide strong support.
Date Modified : 2010/07/29
