December 18, 2008
UPCE STRIKE – Day 32
NOVA SCOTIA
What a productive day it was in Nova Scotia. In Halifax, members wrapped up old shoes and boots and sent them to PM Stephen Harper. Included in the package was a message that stated "Give Moya the Boot!" or "Prime Minister Harper STEP UP and Save Canada Post Sick Leave Benefits". This campaign seemed to take on a life of its own as Santa's elves were busy wrapping boots and shoes. Over 200 packages were deposited in the mail today in Halifax. That was a real morale booster for the members.
In Sydney, UPCE members started the day off with a meeting with MP Mark Eyking. The meeting went well and members were pleased with the information provided. Picket lines ran as usual and morale has improved greatly. UPCE members in Sydney are building momentum and standing strong and solid!
In Antigonish, MP Peter Mackay was hosting his annual Christmas party for community supporters and UPCE picketers were the first to arrive!! MP Mackay invited 9 UPCE members in and met with them for over 30 minutes. He couldn't believe that UPCE members only wanted to maintain what they have. He kept asking questions but seemed surprised that UPCE members were not striking for more money, more benefits, more of anything. He said he will call John Baird to talk about the strike and will contact the Local Strike Coordinator with an update on his talks. Following that meeting the Strike Coordinator did an interview with the Local media.
Union solidarity was also strong today in Antigonish as UPCE members were joined on the picket lines by unionized members employed with St. Francis Xavier University and PSAC members employed with Service Canada. Solidarity Forever!
In the evening the pizza parties continued while members were working on the post card campaign. UPCE members in Nova Scotia know that WORKERS UNITED WILL NEVER BE DEFEATED!!
NEW BRUNSWICK
Saint John – Canada Post applied for an injunction in Saint John and the members are still waiting for the verdict. In Moncton, members are getting ready for a special week-end...stay tuned. In Fredericton, the police had to be called following an incident.
ST. JOHN'S
All the members in St. John's were in court in the morning seeking clarification about the Judge's order relative to the injunction issued last week. The Judge amended his order so that all Canada Post vehicles would use the lower entrance which has a higher degree of safety and is subject to protocol. All Canada Post employees will report to work by the upper (less safe) entrance which will not be subject to protocol. The picketers spent the remainder of the day completing cards.
MONTREAL
Yesterday morning, members of the Montreal local decided to change their itinerary and to go to 225 Bridge. Spirits were high. The strikers were successful in slowing down the traffic. Once again, Canada Post, instead of discussing directly with the strikers, had the police come over and do its job.
NCR
The lines in Ottawa remained strong. Members were fed up with the employer's refusal to face the fact that members voted on CPC's offer and rejected it. Members understand the offer and all its ramifications. Members in the NCR are now calling on Canada Post to return to the table and to negotiate in good faith. In addition to their regular lines at the Head Office, at the Plant and the Call Centre, the members' flying squad has been annoying the employer by arriving unannounced at different depots across the city each day.
TORONTO
Lines were up at Southcentral, UMO, Gateway and Stony Creek as well as Malton and Depot 4 (Capville Dr) and Don Mills, Eglinton and Yonge, and 1 Yonge St. Members of the London Flying squad picketed in St. Catherines today and Canada Post was taken quite by surprise. Spirits remain high and members are awaiting the return of Canada Post to the table.
LONDON
The members set up picket lines in Windsor, London and Kitchener.
For Strike Captain Linda Pearson Friday December 19 should have been a special day. It was supposed to be the beginning of her well-earned retirement. Instead she continues to walk the line and to organize the picketing schedule knowing full well that she won't benefit personally from the strike.
In Kitchener the line was set up at the Depot. According to reports from CUPW, the volume of Niagara mail is at an all-time low. The first truck arrived around midnight and left only two monos. One mono contained 12 lettertainers of geoflow short and long and the second contained 10 lettertainers of presorted bills and about 10 oversize and 10 short and long finals. Such small volume has never been seen before.
The London Flying Squad went to Toronto and with their PSAC sisters and brothers tried to have a meeting with Moya Greene at the Canada Post building. They went up to the 8th floor and sat down in the hallway and sang. The managers on that floor quickly evacuated the building! The members stayed on the 8th floor for more than one hour until the police arrived and evacuated them.
WINNIPEG
Strong line in Winnipeg with Canada Post sending many people to ensure mail was moving. Surprising, none of them were dressed for it! CBC stopped by to interview UPCE RVP Janet May and talk to the members about the current contract negations. Members prepared a little back drop for the media, a giant sign "Had enough yet Moya? A video and photos will follow. Another strong day on the line.
SASKATOON
Last night the picket team went out to meet Finance Minister Jim Flaherty. He was in Saskatoon for meetings and had a cocktail party in the evening. The CLC organized a rally and our members showed up to deliver their message.
Today the team went out in the evening once again to surprise the employer with a number of brothers and sisters from other unions to bolster the line. The cold weather has brought out some creativity in regards to strategic picketing along with other interesting indoor projects that build solidarity.
REGINA
Another cold morning on the picket line in Regina. The members remained strong and morale was high. The members had a visitor. Jan Mullet, director of mail operations and labour relations for Saskatchewan and Manitoba came out to the line and reminded members that they were welcome to go back to work. He went so far as to inform the members that under provincial laws they can't be fined. When the PSAC representative walked up to the group, management walked away. The members continued to greet truckers for the remaining peak period and rushed back to the PSAC RO to attend a lobbying session.
CALGARY
The picket line was set up at the Main Postal Plant. There were 8 picketers while the strike captain was sick with a bad cold. The members continued to write letters and to try to get a meeting with Sian Matthews. She works in Bankers Hall which is very secure. The members would not be able to show up there and ask to see her. Members agreed that everyone will need to fill out a non-picketing activity report form for any activities (volunteer, plant gating malls etc).
EDMONTON
Picket lines were set up at 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. this morning. It was really chilly but spirits were high. Members planned a surprise for management in he evening.
VICTORIA
Picketers were at the Glanford plant to welcome and say hello to drivers and letter carriers. Management was not as interested in coming out to document the members' activities. They spent the morning calling the various CPC phone lines. They are planning different tactics for tomorrow.
Date Modified : 2010/07/29
