Red Flags in Calgary
CALGARY COVID OUTBREAK INQUIRY
Last Friday in Calgary, the public health authority declared an outbreak at the mail processing plant. Six cases since April 20 have been confirmed so far.
CUPW Calls on the Government to Urgently Protect Gig Economy Workers
OTTAWA – On Monday, May 11th, Foodora Couriers will work their last day as the company will officially exit the Canadian market. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) is fighting to ensure Foodora takes responsibility for its workers and demands that the Canadian federal government immediately intervene to protect vulnerable gig-workers, ensure couriers, including undocumented workers, are paid severance, and have adequate income supports.
Message from CUPW Vancouver 3rd VP
Sisters, Brothers, & Friends
As we struggle during these extraordinary times with the COVID-19 pandemic, I would like to thank each one of you for standing together and supporting each other during these trying times. This hasn’t been easy, but, we will get through this together by continuing to take the necessary precautions to ensure that everyone is safe, while continuing to support one another in new and creative ways.
Foodora Canada and Delivery Hero Accused of Union-busting
For immediate Release April 29, 2020
OTTAWA
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers alleges that Foodora Canada and its
parent company Delivery Hero are breaking several sections of Ontario labour law, by closing down in order to defeat a union organizing drive.
POSTAL WORKERS AND EMERGENCY CHILD CARE SERVICES PROVINCES AND TERRITORIES
Bulletin #122 April 28, 2020
Greetings Sisters, Brothers, Friends:
The majority of provinces and territories have closed licensed child care services because of the COVID pandemic. This means that many postal workers lost access to their regular child care arrangements, but are still required to work.
CUPW Statement: Foodora Closing in Canada
For immediate Release April 28, 2020
OTTAWA – CUPW and the Foodsters are shocked to hear about Foodora’s decision to leave the Canadian market. The two-weeks’ notice that has been provided is grossly unfair and unreasonable. We call on Foodora and the Federal Government to ensure that workers and food couriers be protected.
“We are currently reviewing our legal options. At this time, however, we want to focus on the hundreds of workers who have just been let go in the middle of a pandemic, with no Record of Employment, and unclear access to benefits such as the CERB,” says CUPW National President Jan Simpson.
Foodora explains its closure is the result of an inability to make larger market gains. Riders have long tried to bring positive changes to the company’s attention but were ignored every time. That was a major catalyst for the unionization drive. By closing, the company is now again saying it would rather leave hundreds of vulnerable workers without any income than listen to those workers’ suggestions for change.
“Foodora and Delivery Hero must be held accountable to the workers – couriers have made millions for this company and deserve to be treated with dignity and fairness. In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, they are considering numbers over human lives,” says Simpson
Foodora has consistently avoided respecting labour laws and labour rights. We have seen, however, that collective strength has led to important results. A few months ago, the Ontario Labour Relations Board ruled that couriers working for Foodora are dependent contractors. We must therefore believe that a better outcome is possible and achievable.
A WAY OUT OF DOMESTIC ABUSE
April 20, 2020
One of the terrible effects of COVID-19 is that it has led to a growth in reported cases of domestic violence. Shelters in Canada are reporting growing needs. In France, there are reports that gender based-violence has increased by a shocking 36%. In British Columbia, the Battered Women’s Support Services organization has reported a 300% increase in calls to their crisis line!