December 5, 2008
UPCE STRIKE – Day 19
NOVA SCOTIA
The picket lines went up at 5 a.m. in Sydney at the Charlotte Street Post Office. This provided some visibility for the strike and members of the general public were quite receptive. UPCE members in Antigonish maintained the lines on Main Street. The morale of the members remains high. The PSAC Regional Office was busy with members of the Atlantic Council working on the post card campaign to support UPCE striking members. Picket lines in Halifax received a boost when they were joined by members from Antigonish. UPCE members' spirits were high today with the anticipation of the bargaining team returning to the table on the weekend.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Another fun day or rather night. Last night UPCE members from Fredericton, Saint John and Moncton participated at the Coalition Rally in Moncton. UPCE members from Fredericton along with other PSAC members were the majority of the people at the rally; the PSAC was very well represented. After the rally, everyone went to the picket line in Dieppe and basically shocked management when they saw a busload of people arrive at the scene. There were 4 managers outside who didn't know what was happening. They immediately called Corporate Security who arrived as the busload of members left to go back to Fredericton; it was hilarious to see the shock of the managers. As the bus was leaving, one member screamed: "Wait till the bus gets here tomorrow from Winnipeg"… It was a really great morale booster for our members. Donations are coming in. CUPE called and said they would really enjoy a good rally in support of the strikers and offered their full support. CUPE would like to start a campaign of pink postcards to serve 2 purposes...one to use light paper to bog down Canada Post systems and the other to send a message to the Prime Minister… postcards would be addressed to the PM and the other side would say: "You're Fired!"
ST. JOHN'S
Picket lines went up at 6:30 am. The reporting shift was greeted by the members' continued picket lines. Members commenced strategy discussion and were generally getting ready for the Noon hour rally on Saturday.
MONTREAL
Members met at 225 Bridge Street where they greeted trucks and other vehicles for 6 hours. The news of the team going back to the table raised the morale.
QUEBEC CITY
UPCE members set up a picket line in front of a private TV station (TVA). Their news crew came out and filmed the picketers for their newscast. Following that, picketers set up another line at the Graham-Bell depot and greeted trucks for an hour. Then, it was another line at the Hugues-Randing building. Members were re-energized by the news about a return to the bargaining table. They are ready for Monday. For the last 2 days, Canada Post has sent some gum shoes to follow us, film us and to take pictures of us. They're just trying to intimidate members. It does not work.
NCR
Lines were up and morale excellent! Knowing that the team is going back to the table means everything to the members. It has reenergized them and they are ready to stay the course!
TORONTO
Spirits were up at all lines since the word of the imminent return to the bargaining table. The lines remained strong at South Central, UMO, Gateway and Stony Creek. New Lines went up at Newmarket and Weston B. The lines at Courtney Park remained up yesterday. This had quite an impact on Canada Post as they were anxious to have a protocol in place. UPCE 108 and 104 would like to acknowledge and thank the members of CUPW for the contributions of money, food and a special acknowledgment that CUPW workers joined the lines on their breaks and at the end of their shifts.
LONDON
Kitchener the line was at 8 a.m., until 9:30 a.m. After that the members went to the Depot in Galt. In Windsor, strikers were on the picket line from 8 a.m. and stayed until the last truck was out. The London Flying squad hit Depot 2 to CPC surprise. Management police called. In London, the line was up from 3:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. or as long as they can go. Members of CUPW were working overtime to get mail out.
WINNIPEG
Timing is everything! Members had shut down picketing Thursday and completely puzzled Canada Post. With a Local meeting planned in the afternoon, members received word that the teams are back at the table on the weekend! With renewed energy the members are alive today on the lines! Managers are running around trying to move traffic and they have no idea when or where we will be! Canada Post tried to wear us down and we stood in solidarity. Weekend picketing is planned!
SASKATOON
Picketers switched locations and moved to the warehouse on the east of town. There were many trucks going in and out of this location so they thought they would try and surprise them today and so they did! The weather has lightened up a bit and so have the spirits of the women on the line. Every day another local calls with support or gifts or comes out to encourage them. This has made them stronger in their resolve to stand up for what they believe.
REGINA
It was pretty quiet on the line in Regina, but the member's spirits were high. Lunch and goodies was dropped off by a strong supporter. We have heard that the Event Manager System is having problems and is now toast! The members had a successful morning delaying the trucks. Thanks to RWDSU supporter for walking the line with the members
CALGARY
Plant gate at Harry Hays yesterday very successful. Assistance from Area Council, UTE and PIPSC. Nearly 1000 postcards and flyers handed out. Well received. This morning picket line was strong with picketing starting at 6 am. Meeting was held this morning to discuss issue and strategy.
EDMONTON
Picket lines were set up at 7 a.m. and remained up until 2:00 p.m. It was +5 degrees and members' spirits were very high. They are optimistic that the return to the table will result in a positive outcome.
VANCOUVER
Cheered by the news that talks were scheduled for this weekend, UPCE members set up their pickets as usual in Vancouver. At 8 a.m. CUPW members walked the block in solidarity and then gathered en masse outside the building where they presented members with a $1500 donation to the strike fund, collected by individuals at the plant. Members were hugely appreciative of this gesture and the solidarity shown by their sisters and brothers working at Canada Post. Afterwards members held a meeting with UPCE VP Janet May and Rene Fredeen where they had an opportunity to ask questions and discuss strategy.
VICTORIA
Picketers split into two groups to confuse management. Two separate depots were picketed after which the whole group met at a third location (Glanford Plant) to round out the day. Spirits were good. The group was happy that there is a return to the bargaining table. We will continue to put our strategic plan into place over the next 3-4 days.
Date Modified : 2010/07/29
