November 22, 2008
UPCE STRIKE – Day 5
HALIFAX – Our picket lines continued to be effective and grew even stronger in spite of the continuous intimidation tactics used by the employer on Thursday. Members were grateful for the supporters who came and walked the line with them in solidarity. Morale was good.
New Brunswick – Morale was good in New Brunswick. Members were still very effective on their picketing schedules and even accomplishing more than what was required from them. CUPW members were still very supportive of our battle.
We know we are having an impact because the Employer has started more intimidation tactics today. In Fredericton, managers parked their private vehicles on Canada Post property in order to block the entrance to the general public and then called in the police saying the traffic jam was caused by strikers. In Moncton, middle supervisors were sent out to take pictures and to monitor how long strikers were delaying the traffic. In Saint John local Union and Management had a meeting with the local police to try to reach a picketing protocol.
St. John's – Most effective day this week. CUPW members were escorted across the lines in a convoy of cars. Customers respected the lines and agreed to return once the lines are down. Employer once again called police; they came, spoke with us and then left. They did not return. Spirits were high with singing and dancing on the picket line. Support rally planned for tomorrow (Saturday). We expect a good turnout.
Montreal – Members set up a picket early this morning at 225 Bridge Street. It was an impenetrable line until the police arrived and made the members let the traffic through. After some discussions with Montreal's finest, it was agreed that we would keep the line closed for 15 minutes and then open it again for 5 minutes. The morale surged and the slowdown continued.
Quebec City—PSAC members had a 1/2day meeting to discuss a few issues such as the bogus charges that the CPC manager tried to lay against them and the abuse of power of the Quebec City police. They also developed a strike strategy for next week.
NCR – Lines were up at all locations in Ottawa this morning. Maria Fitzpatrick, PSAC REVP NCR was on the lines again today. She carried information, leaflets, and high spirits to the picketers every day since they have been out. Morale is good and there have been strong ties built between the PSAC and CUPW Brothers and Sisters.
Toronto – Lines were up at all locations again today despite the cold weather in Toronto. Members were feeling empowered and spirits were high. They prepared for a rally on Sunday and next week's activities.
London – London Picket line was up at 4:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. under new court ordered restrictions for traffic flow. Union local meeting called for 7:30am on Saturday.
Kitchener – Picket line was set up at 11 p.m. last night until 3 a.m. in the morning. The picketers talked to the truck drivers and explained our issues which lead to delays in deliveries both coming in and going out. This surprised Canada Post.
Windsor – Picket line up 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Windsor Area Council has set up a B-B-Q and provided hamburgers to the picketers. Many thanks to CAW and CUPW members who regularly walk the entire shifts with us.
Winnipeg – Members are doing great. Spirits are up because members know they are having a good impact. Members on a PSAC LOC course went to picket with the workers on their lunch break where they found CEIU and MGEU members on the line also. Members were asking other workers inside not to work overtime.
Saskatoon – Picketers from Saskatoon were out on the line bright and early this morning along with the cold -12 C + wind chill. A manager stayed outside most of the time keeping picketers company and ensuring compliance on the picket line. The members stuck to their plan of ensuring that each driver has all the information on our issues before leaving or coming into Canada Post premises. This seemed to be well received and the truckers were cooperative and supportive as they waited their turn.
Regina – It was -25 C + wind chill in Regina this morning. The members bundled up and stayed warm. Brother Richard Des Lauriers visited the line today for a while and the group enjoyed a meeting and lunch with him. A couple of CUPW members walked for a period of time during their break this morning. Our members continue to get stronger by day. They are actively planning for next week!!
Calgary – 11 picketers were on the line from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.; another shift started at 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. with an additional 5-6 picketers. Weather was kind to us. There was no snow and the temperature was mild. Trucks and cars slowed down as leaflets were being handed out. CUPW Local President in Calgary sent a letter of support which was distributed; Approximately 5 members of CUPW, including the Local President, Rob Scoble walked the lines this morning; Public dropped off donuts and coffee cards to those on the picket lines to show support.
Edmonton – Picket lines were up at 9 a.m. this morning. Everyone gathered at the downtown location for a rally at noon. Guest speakers were Brian Mason, Leader of the NDP; Gil McGowan, President of the Alberta Federation of Labour; Tom Olenuk, President of the Edmonton & District Labour Council; Nina Kiviluoma, Edmonton Area Council Rep.
Vancouver – Pickets were set up early this morning in Vancouver and spirits were high. CUPW members showed support and solidarity by taking their daily walk around the block during their coffee break while Canada Post had 13 managers standing around doing nothing, staffing the doors. REVP Jeannie Baldwin visited the line and brought a message of solidarity from the Atlantic region.
Victoria—Slower traffic day today. NDE & UEW Locals presented financial contributions to the striking UPCE members. More threats from the Employer as they provided us with a copy of the injunction from Vancouver. They also advised us that “we proceed at our own peril.”
Whitehorse – Our lone member in Whitehorse has been calling the Canada Post complaint line and doing various other picket duties today.
Date Modified : 2010/07/29
