December 2, 2008
UPCE STRIKE – Day 16
NOVA SCOTIA
Picket lines were strong in Nova Scotia. CUPW members continued to provide support on the picket lines and beyond. Members received more information about the mail backing up and the strike having a growing impact.
Picket lines in Halifax received a treat today when Santa Clause and his elves visited the picket lines to distribute candy canes. Not far behind them was the "Greene" grinch who was there to steal the sick leave of Canada Post workers. She also visited the lines in Sydney.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Saint John & Fredericton - All was well on the picket line today, spirits were good and members are expecting a visit to the picket line tomorrow from negotiating team member Andrew Baranowski.
Moncton – Meanwhile, who showed up on the line in Moncton this morning? Well, it was none other than Andrew Baranowski. Members greeted him with cheers and while this was happening, well, they couldn't believe their eyes but they had another visitor. At first they thought they were dreaming… but no, it was Santa Claus on hand to pass out candies and, most importantly, strike pay. Members took this opportunity to ask for a contract. Santa said that he was trying very hard and all his helpers are working very hard as well to make sure that the members get a contract. Santa said he had a nice and naughty list and that all of the members were on the nice list, but, he said, there's one person who made the naughty list. Of course, we had to peek and see who was on the naughty list and to the delight of all, it was the scab. Santa said that he has another naughty list, which we will get tomorrow and this one is the nastiest of all… so stay tuned…
Cheques were delivered today to the Moncton strikers by Hisham Youssfi, President UTE Local 60008 and Phil Lillies, President Union of National Employees Local 60350.
ST. JOHN'S
Solid picket lines went up in St. John's at 5:45 am. Management is feeling the pressure. Members had a meeting with management to discuss picket lines. They will continue discussions again tomorrow.
MONTRÉAL
As early as 5 o'clock this morning, a group of members showed up at the plant at 555 McArthur. Their strategic plan was a success.
Around 9 a.m., a second group came to reinforce the first one on site. Everything went according to plan. Lines were taken down at 3 p.m.
QUEBEC CITY
Members of the UPCE Local in Quebec City set up a picket line in Trois-Rivières, more than 100 kilometres away from Quebec City. Their CUPW sisters and brothers welcomed them with open arms and support. For more than 2 hours, all truck drivers and CUPW members slowed down at the picket line and listened to what UPCE members had to say. Morale was at a peak. Canada Post did not expect the members to set up a picket line so far away from Quebec City. Mission accomplished!
NCR
Lines were up and strong and PSAC staff joined the Ottawa picket line at noon. They were joined by 9-year-old Yaffa Abou-Dib Husseini, daughter of a PSAC staff member. Yaffa wanted to visit the line so she could donate her solidarity fund money to the picketers. She has accumulated over $70 from her allowance. The members are very encouraged to see that donations have started to come in. The Ottawa Local has received a number of donations including $770 from the Alliance Employee's Union and $3301 from the Ottawa English Catholic Teachers Association with promises of more to come! Members of PSAC's excluded staff joined the picket line at noon today at the Alta Vista postal station and presented picketers with a cheque for 2,000$.
TORONTO
Lines remained strong at South Central, Gateway, UMO-Midland, and Stoney Creek. New Lines went up at 4.30 a.m. at Mount Hope ( Hamilton Airport), Depot 11( Kennedy and Eglinton), 1 Yonge St, Progress Ave and Vista Road at the Toronto Airport. Canada Post was violating protocols at various locations. Also, according to some sources, CPC is instructing staff to remove the date stickers on packages so that the customers cannot claim any loss.
LONDON
Kitchener lines went up at 5 p.m. and stayed up until 9 p.m. In London the lines were up from 3:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. Truck traffic increased during the afternoon shift and picketers stayed an extra 25 minutes to greet them. The Local Executive will meet to plan this week's actions. Windsor lines were set up at 8 a.m. and stayed up until all the trucks were out in the afternoon. The Flying Squad was sent to help in Hamilton today.
WINNIPEG
The members were out early setting up the line at 3 a.m. It was very successful. Picketers were running between the many entrances talking to the same vehicle over and over as they tried to leave through various entrances. If the drivers had stayed at one spot, they would have been given our information and then been on their way! Traffic volume has increased because of the holiday season. At noon, the members met with the Western Bargaining Team member, Rene Freeden, at a CUPW sponsored lunch.
SASKATOON
It was a briskly cold day on the picket line today. The wind put a chill into all our women out on the line but they are still holding strong. More members are showing support with comrades from Veteran's Affairs stopping in with gifts for them all. Afterwards, they all stopped into the Regional Office for coffee and muffins and a strategy meeting. Plans were made to “change it up” and keep management guessing!
REGINA
Quite chilly here in Regina again. Members were chilled but they remained strong. Management likes to watch from floors up above and they are starting to come out to inform our members that they can come back to work as they are valued. Our members replied in one single voice: tell Moya to remove the STD package from the table. They are looking forward to some heat tomorrow.
CALGARY
Eight people were on the line this morning. It was cold and windy and a small amount of snow covered the ground. Members had a meeting to strategize a plantgate at the Harry Hays. They are also planning to participate in a Community Rally at City Hall for those who wish to voice their displeasure at the Federal Conservatives.
EDMONTON
Picket lines were set-up at the Sorting Plant from 7:30 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. It was a cool, wintery day but members' spirits were high. CUPW hosted a lunch of soup/sandwiches for the picketers. Special guests from the AFL Executive Council and others joined them for lunch.
VANCOUVER
The picket line was set up at the Main Post Office in Vancouver. CPC Human Resources was still out trying to convince members to cross the line and to go back to work. There was a contingent of members picketing in White Rock and two car loads of picketers went to Victoria to lend a hand.
VICTORIA
Members in Victoria welcomed a large group of UPCE picketers from Vancouver. They picketed a postal outlet in downtown Victoria where they distributed the post cards and a flyer designed for members of the public. They then went back to the regional office for a solidarity meet and greet. BC Regional Council members from Victoria, UTE Victoria Local President and UEW RVP were on hand to support and make financial donations. CUPW members were present as well.
Date Modified : 2011/09/08
