December 10, 2008
UPCE STRIKE – Day 24
NOVA SCOTIA
The picket lines were solid in Sydney today and Antigonish sent some picketers to Truro to walk a line at the Processing plant. The lines were good in Halifax where a surprise is planned for later in the day – we'll report on that tomorrow.
A good day in NS
NEW BRUNSWICK
A huge storm hit New Brunswick today but the lines are all holding strong.
Mother Nature was on our side in Moncton. The temperature went from -22 yesterday to +13 today with near hurricane-force winds and torrential rain. This was enough to keep management inside, so they don't really have any idea how long members were holding up trucks and how CUPW members were cooperating. In Fredericton the lines were maintained for longer. Management has been threatening to get an injunction – we said “bring it on.”
Members in St. John were so cold on Monday and Tuesday that once they heard that the strike pay had been increased, they all went out and bought new winter boots. Today they can go shopping again and buy rubber boots!
ST. JOHN'S
Working on Post Card campaign and building strategy plans for the rest of next week. Back on the line tomorrow!
MONTREAL
The lines were very tight at 555 McArthur today and the weather was a bit milder. The members kept busy greeting trucks and visitors and the police kept busy watching them.
QUEBEC CITY
Picketing started at 5:45 p.m. Report of activities will be published in tomorrow's bulletin.
NCR
The lines remained strong, although they were a little slow in forming because of the weather and the beginning of a transit strike: another 2000 workers striking for a decent STD Plan! Picketers were buoyed by the news that talks are continuing, they're all behind their team and wish them luck.
TORONTO
This morning the London Flying Squad and members of UPCE Local 104 set up a picket line at 688 Brant St. in Burlington. Canada Post contacted the police. The police visited and then left after establishing that there were no concerns. However, outbound mail is being delayed.
Picket lines went up at Southcentral, Gateway and the UMO. Picket lines also went up at 169 The Don Way (Don Mills Depot),
Eglinton and Yonge, Mississauga Delivery Centre (Matheson). A flying squad is making visits at various locations in Scarborough. Spirits are up and members remain strong.
LONDON
Lines were up in London from 4 a.m. -- 9 p.m.; in Windsor from 8 a.m. -- 2 p.m.; and, in Kitchener from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. In London there was a meeting of Picket Captains.
WINNIPEG
With winter hitting Winnipeg with full force today, Mother Nature is giving a bit of an assist and delaying Canada Post's efforts to move the mail. Canada Post was trying to shut off the sensors to the overhead doors today claiming that it was getting too cold inside on the docks and that workers had to wear toques and mitts. What they really want is to shut the doors between vehicles entering and exiting. They obviously have not spent much time on the picket line -- we reminded them that “we own that picket line.” More delays today in Winnipeg. Members are stronger than ever!
SASKATOON
It seems that management has changed its tune this week. Up to this point management has been quite cordial and visited the line on a regular basis. Management is now using a different tactic: threatening the women on the line as well as bullying the drivers that are being held up. Despite this, the picketers continue to stay strong and brave in the face of threats and even danger. Members from CUPW came out to support their sisters and vowed their support will increase in the coming days even as management's support dwindles. Every day we get calls and gifts for the members on the line from our friends from the United Steel Workers, from Agriculture Canada and from CEIU. All the locals know that this fight is bigger than the 2,100 UPCE members.
REGINA
The members are strong. They are solid and determined to stay on the line until they win the fight. Muffins and hot chocolate were brought out to the line. The hot chocolate was very much appreciated on this cold morning in Regina. We have been successful in extending most of our truck greetings to five minutes. The Prairie Lily Feminist Society brought out a donation of $230 – thank you sisters! The members also send their support to the team: stay strong and keep up the fight. As long as we continue on the line, you have our support.
CALGARY
Picketers' spirits were high. They picketed the main postal plant in Calgary in two four-hour shifts from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. They met yesterday and have drawn up a schedule for the week. They expressed their happiness about the additional strike pay.
EDMONTON
It was a beautiful sunny day in Edmonton and picket lines were set up at the Sorting Plant. Today was also party day. Picketers were roasting hot dogs and enjoying homemade goodies. It was in strong to contrast to yesterday, which was a very stressful day. Today management kept a low profile and the members were playing by the book. Tomorrow there might be some more surprises for Canada Post.
VANCOUVER
Pickets were set up at the main Vancouver Post Office Downtown. Some of the picketers showed solidarity with the Commissionaires picket line. The Commissionaires have been locked out by the B.C. Corp of Commissionaires. There were also members picketing the Postal Outlet in White Rock and the Corporate Commercial Retail Outlet in Richmond.
VICTORIA
Picketers set up at a line at a Depot today. Everyone was still quite angry about the misinformation posted by CPC.
Date Modified : 2010/07/29
