December 12, 2008
UPCE STRIKE – Day 26
NOVA SCOTIA
Spirits on the lines in Nova Scotia were good today. Members were dancing in Halifax despite 90 kilometres-per-hour winds, with trucks being held up as per the protocol established. Sydney held great lines. We had good rapport with police, holding trucks for an hour. Watch for more fun next week. In Antigonish the lines were strong, with good morale.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Fredericton – The line held strong in spite of the freezing rain. Most schools were closed around the province, but the picketers were on the line in full force.
Saint John – Santa came to the line this morning (a CUPW member) and brought candy and gift certificates to our Saint John members. Members were wondering if it's too late to get another bargaining demand in for this round – boot allowance and rain gear. The picketers in Saint John learned that across the street from Canada Post, the Atlantic Superstore had a sale on boots. So eight of our members went into the store and stood in line at the same cash register (like ducks), all buying the same pair of boots.
Moncton –The picketers changed venues and picketed Mark Avenue where they shut down all traffic for almost three hours. They went to visit Liberal MP Brian Murphy and explained Canada Post's proposed short-term disability system. Murphy was very receptive and said he would speak with the Liberal critic and also send a letter to Moya Greene and John Baird. Members also called Conservative MP Tilley who was very distraught at hearing about the sick leave and EI issue as she used to be a school teacher and understands well the necessity of sick leave. She agreed to send a letter to Moya Greene and John Baird. Liberal MP Dominic LeBlanc visited the line in the afternoon.
ST. JOHN'S
Picket lines went up at 9 a.m. Letter carriers were delayed as they came out of the premises. Trucks were also delayed getting back to the plant. Picket lines came down at noon. Members then started filing out the remainder of their post cards.
MONTREAL
The weather made it difficult for members to set up the picket line, but it helped them in slowing down traffic. Once more, Canada Post called the police and the officers were happy to cooperate…with the strikers.
QUEBEC CITY
A snowstorm met our members on the picket line in front of the Canada Post building at 5055 Hugues-Randin. Trucks were slowed down for a few hours.
NCR
The line was strong today and the members are waiting for news from the bargaining team. We are planning a BBQ to be held this weekend.
TORONTO
Lines are up at Stoney Creek, Gateway, UMO, Southcentral and Don Mills. The lines at Mississauga Delivery Centre (Matheson) came down after 54 hours. Donations of cash came in from Treasury Board locals in Toronto for UPCE 108. CUPW members at Stony Creek held a 50/50 draw to support UPCE local 104.
The Stoney Creek line served a buffet lunch of turkey sandwiches which was followed by games of soccer and hockey. Local 104 remains committed for the long haul. The Hamilton District Labour Council donated $250 to UPCE 104. Contact was made with Canada Post Board Member William Sheffield; he has decided that it would be improper to meet with the striking workers. He would however, accept a written package on the outstanding issues and he would like the package to be sent through the mail.
LONDON
In Windsor, the line was up at 8 a.m. and stayed until 2 p.m. In Kitchener, the line was at up at Depot 2. The London Flying Squad went to Brantford, where the police threatened to arrest a picketer because Canada Post's exit is shared with a federal building. A deal was struck with the police.In London, the lines went up at 4 a.m. and stayed up until 9 p.m. Irene Mathyssen, NDP MP for London-Fanshawe, visited the UPCE/PSAC picket lines in front of the Canada Post administration building at 955 Highbury Ave. North between 11:30 a.m. and noon today. The London general meeting was held at 2 p.m.
WINNIPEG
It was a balmy day in the ‘Peg today – minus 16 or minus 26 with the wind chill. But this was an improvement over yesterday's minus 39 wind chill factor! The members are a hearty bunch and are still standing strong and maintaining a tough line. Picket lines will be up over the weekend. Thank you Moya Greene for increasing the SOLIDARITY in Winnipeg!
SASKATOON
We had about 20 other union brothers and sisters join our line last evening (6 p.m. to 9 p.m.), much to management's surprise. The larger than usual picket line caused a little disruption for a major freight carrier leaving the plant on its way to meet the plane at Purolator. Another large picket line at Purolator delayed the carrier even further and the plane had to leave without the mail. Management called the police out who determined that our picket line was lawful and peaceful, so after a pleasant exchange with us they went on their way. Management tried to tell the police officers that they had an injunction against us picketing Purolator at the airport, but since they could not produce any such document that conversation ended quickly. Other management staff tried to intimidate our strike captain and complained that he had been called away from his daughter's Christmas concert to come out to the line and deal with the picketers.
Spirits were high; there were lots of singing and dancing. Flags were waving and we made lots of noise. We celebrated the great joy of a successful night on the picket line! This morning seemed a little dull compared to last evening's activities. We are having a little warm spell before the predicted cold next week. After an uneventful morning on the line our picketers are joining CUPW members for a seasonal lunch. CUPW, SFL and other PSAC members continue their support. The Steelworkers sent a gift and kind words of support for the fight!
REGINA
Members had some difficulties with an aggressive truck driver from Len Dubois Trucking of Winnipeg. Nobody was hurt and the members filed a police report. Far from diminishing spirits on the line, this early morning incident inspired the members and they had a very successful morning, greeting the trucks for longer than normal.
A CUPW truck driver on his very last day before retirement parked his truck the wrong way and held up two semi-trailers for half an hour.
CALGARY
Picketing continued as the members were still waiting for the employer to start taking negotiations seriously.
EDMONTON
The Edmonton UPCE local was at the main post office today from 6:00 a.m. to noon. Their already good spirits were further boosted by the delivery of gift certificates from the Union of Food and Commercial Workers and UCTE –enough for each member to do a little Christmas grocery shopping.
Representatives from the Edmonton Area Council, regional women's committee and the human rights committee not only brought greetings but cash donations in show of support. All in all, it was another good day and it was obvious that these members are committed to the cause and will continue to fully support the bargaining team. They will be out again tomorrow knowing full well that we are expecting minus 30 weather!
VANCOUVER
Pickets were set up on Jericho Road from 9:00 p.m. to midnight near the Vancouver International Airport, as it was the loading area for the DC-10 flight for Canada Post. The question is – why did the UPCE members cross the road? Because it wasn't prevented by the injunction!
With us crossing the roadway, two semis from Canada Post could not get mail to the plane. This caused quite a concern for the Director of Transportation and the SI people that came out. One of the drivers tried to drive it up to the line and we told him that pedestrians have the right of way. He finally relented and drove the truck back to the plant.
Today there are pickets set up at a number of Canada Post retail outlets and at the main post office downtown. Postcards will be handed out to people using the Canada Post retail counters. The mood is good. Members feel that they are having an effect, and our solidarity is growing.
Date Modified : 2010/07/29
