November 20, 2008
UPCE STRIKE – Day 3
HALIFAX – Everything went well on the picket lines today. The picket lines in Sydney, Antigonish and Halifax are still receiving good support from CUPW members. The police visited the line in Halifax to provide guidance in case picketers encountered any problems with public vehicles or contractors. They thanked UPCE members for their cooperation. The morale and spirits of the members are good. The Halifax - Dartmouth District Labour Council is organizing a strike support committee to aid striking UPCE members.
MONCTON – Despite the wet weather this morning in New Brunswick the morale of the members is still good! In Saint John, the police were called by the plant manager which delayed things even more. In Moncton, lines were up shortly before 5:00 am. We have had lots of support from CUPW, CLC and NBFL representatives and others. Coffee and food were provided to the strikers. In Fredericton, the line was up early this morning. The Atlantic RVP, Mike Moeller visited all N.B. locations yesterday and today.
ST. JOHN'S – Our strategy worked well today. Members decided to change the picket line schedule. Management was expecting us early this a.m. and spent most of their time watching for the picketers. We started our lines around 2:00 p.m. and asked for identification from any members or supervisors going into CP. Members of CUPW and of the public were very supportive. Spirits were high despite the rain.
MONTREAL – UPCE Local 101002 set up a picket line in front of the Canada Post building at 555 McArthur. Attendance was high and morale even higher. Members are getting ready for the days to come.
QUEBEC – For a third day, members of UPCE Local 10120 set up their picket line in front of Quebec City post offices. First, we went into “Vieux-Québec” near Château Frontenac and soon after, we set up another picket line near the shopping malls in order to be more visible. Everything went very smoothly. Morale is high and we are working on some creative ideas for next week.
NCR – Members of the PSAC's Executive Committee joined picketers at Canada Post's Alta Vista plant in Ottawa. Morale on the line remained high on day three of the strike as the union stands firm against the employer's attempt take away hard won benefits and saddle union members with a watered down and sub contracted short-term disability plan. Knowing they are next in the employer's sights, brothers and sisters from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers have been vocal in expressing their support and solidarity to our members who are walking the line and taking the fight to the employer. CUPW President Denis Lemelin and many PSAC and CUPW staff were on the line. This boosted morale even more.
TORONTO – The lines remain strong. At South Central the lines were strong throughout the night. In Stoney Creek the picket lines were very successful with their strategy to slow down the employers' operation. Scarborough Mail Facility picket lines were strong and very effective. At Gateway the lines were up and strong. Canada Post attempted to obtain an injunction. Late into the night the parties came to a negotiated court order protocol which is now place. Canada Post moved mail to 145 West Mall, but picketers from Gateway moved to that location when they heard this was being done. The PSAC Ontario council members were picketing at 340 Matheson in Mississauga. CIU members joined the picket lines at Gateway during the evening. UPCE members wish to acknowledge the overwhelming support that CUPW is giving the picket lines.
LONDON – Our members are settling into a routine on the picket line. The members in London were on the line from 4:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Windsor's picket line was up at 8 a.m. until 12 noon. Our many thanks to the CAW members who came out to support the line and chat with the members. Kitchener picket line was in full force as of 5 p.m.
WINNIPEG – The members are doing great in spite of the cold weather. The employer is implying that the strikers are having little impact but the CUPW members are saying otherwise. The inside work is backed up and the truck drivers are being paid overtime to get their deliveries done. Some members who are unable to join the lines are doing other work in the RO - they have been calling the Canada Post lines to see what is operating and doing media monitoring.
SASKATOON – CUPW members stopped by with coffee, Egg McMuffins and cookies for the picketers as the snow flakes were coming down. Permission was granted to set up two burning barrels for the members to keep warm. A non-union supporter said he would be dropping off wood for us once we got the barrels set up. Management was very cooperative and stated that everyone must respect each other and that included respecting the picket line. The members on the line remained strong and respectful.
REGINA – Line was solid and strong. Supporters brought coffee and donuts to members. Many CUPW brother and sisters joined the line on their breaks. Mid-morning as the wind picked up so did the strength, morale and enthusiasm with the addition of approximately 35 PSAC brothers and sisters from all over southern Saskatchewan.
CALGARY – Picket line was up at 6 a.m. and ran until 6 p.m. CUPW members showed their support. Two taxi drivers turned around and said they would not be back until the strike was over.
EDMONTON – Lines were set up at the Sorting Plant at 3 a.m. this morning. It is a very cold day so we built a bonfire to keep warm. We also set up lines at the downtown location at 7 a.m.
VANCOUVER – Picket lines were up early and lasted all day in sunny Vancouver. Morale is excellent. This morning at 8AM, PSAC members were joined en masse by approximately 300 Sisters and Brothers from CUPW, who "took a walk around the block". PSAC members were hugely appreciative of this gesture and applauded them all the way. UPCE National President Richard Des Lauriers was in Vancouver and joined the picket line along with CUPW Local 864 President Robert Mulvin.
VICTORIA – Victoria had another good weather day. Some CUPW members provided musical entertainment and others walked the line to show their support. CUPW members were also providing food products. Management handed each of the UPCE picketers a copy of the employer's final offer which was posted on the Canada Post website. We distributed our copy of the outstanding issues bulletin. Picket lines made the Victoria newspaper.
Date Modified : 2010/07/29
