With the passage of Bill C-6, the Harper government has declared war on postal workers and all working people. The anti-worker bias of this government was demonstrated clearly yesterday when the Conservative government of Stephen Harper vetoed every attempt by the opposition parties to amend the legislation. The government even said no to proposals that would give the arbitrator the ability to mediate between the parties. As expected, the government imposed a wage increase that is less than the last offer presented by Canada Post management.

NEB Unanimously Decides To Return To Work

The National Executive Board has unanimously decided that CUPW will return to work in accordance with the terms of the legislation. The legislation provides for enormous financial penalties for individuals and union representatives in the case of defiance. We believe that this government would use any excuse to destroy the union should we defy the legislation, and we will not give them any opportunity to do so. CUPW will be contacting Canada Post to discuss a return-to-work procedure, and we will notify you concerning the procedure for returning to work.

Postal Workers Can Be Very Proud

All CUPW members can go back to work with our heads held high. Throughout this struggle, we showed unprecedented strength, solidarity, determination and courage.

Just as we were united on the picket lines, we need to be united and strong when we are back in the workplace. We need to send a strong message to Canada Post that the lockout was wrong, and that their reliance on legislation is shameful. We need to support our shop stewards and local union representatives who will be on the front line in our struggles with management.

Our Struggle Continues

We are returning to work, but we are not defeated. CUPW has been legislated back to work in the past and that has not stopped us from continuing our struggle for justice and dignity. The government cannot legislate away our solidarity and determination. We will continue to work with all of the groups and organizations that have supported us, including labour unions, women’s groups, students, pensioners and our community and political allies to fight for decent jobs and pensions for all working people.