Vancouver Local LEC Recommends a Resounding YES Vote!

Our Union has been at the bargaining table since November 2023, facing an employer who refuses to negotiate in good faith. This is a clear message: they do not respect our work, our rights, or our collective power. We cannot afford to wait any longer. It’s time to take action. Together, we must send a strong STRIKE mandate to our negotiation committee to protect what we’ve fought so hard to achieve.

What’s at Stake?

Canada Post’s proposals threaten to undermine our working conditions, our rights, and our future. Here’s what they’re trying to push through:

  • New Part-Time Classification: Up to 30% of a station could be filled with part-time letter carriers working flexible hours, weakening our full-time positions and increasing job insecurity.
  • Eliminating Protections for Retail Workers: Increasing the use of part-time workers and stripping away job security.
  • Cutting Our Wash-Up Time: An attack on our basic rights and dignity at work.
  • Reducing Overtime Pay: No more double time after the 3rd hour of overtime, meaning less compensation for our hard work.
  • Ending Marriage Leave: Removing a vital benefit that supports our families.
  • Cutting Vacation Time for New Hires: New hires will lose the 7th week of vacation, creating a two-tier system.
  • Eliminating Night Workers’ Leave: More pressure on those working the toughest hours.
  • Increasing Costs for Benefits: Flexible benefits with higher costs, especially for those who need them most. Retirees could face paying 100% of their benefits, up from 35%, tripling the cost.
  • Undermining Our Pension: Attacks on our pension contributions threaten the security of our retirement and the livelihood of those already retired.
  • Stripping Route Ownership from Letter Carriers: No more fixed delivery routes, your route changes every day “based on volumes” with no input from a Union Observer. Management wants to remove Union involvement in LCRMS and MSCWSS changes.
  • Introducing a New Classification (POL6): This includes Station PO4’s, LCAs, and day & night routers, further eroding our existing roles and rights.

Canada Post is giving us nothing in this round of bargaining. They refuse to discuss wages, and the Union has already filed a complaint with the Labour Minister and CIRB.

What Do We Do Next?

The power of our Union lies in our unity. Now, more than ever, we must stand together and vote YES it job action. By doing so, we send a clear message: We will not accept these rollbacks. We will protect our rights, our benefits, and our future.

Your Local Executive Committee strongly recommends a YES vote and urges every member to participate. Check the bulletin boards and our website for the Strike Vote schedule. Now is the time to make our voices heard. Together, we will fight the good fight and win.

In Solidarity

Anju Parmar, President & Local Executive Committee

2024 Pacific Regional Fall Education

November 21-24, 2024 @ Harrison Hot Springs

Fight Back

Fighting Back is designed to develop the capacity of members to lead and organize struggles in the workplace and more broadly in society. It calls on participants to shed the mindset of victimization and powerlessness and develop power through organizing.

* This course is recommended for local executive members.

Basic Steward Course (2 classes)

Stewards are the backbone of the union. The aim of this course is to provide new stewards with knowledge and confidence. Topics include: the roles of the steward, how to investigate and file a grievance, communication skills, shop steward rights, the steward as organizer/mobilizer, and key provisions of the collective agreement.

*Note this course is for new stewards

Grievance-Handling

The aim of this course is to reinforce participants’ grievance knowledge, as well as their investigation and advocacy skills. Topics include shop steward rights, distinguishing between fact and opinion, active listening and duty of fair representation. participants have opportunities to work on being assertive, and to practice preparing and arguing grievances.

*This course is suited to stewards with some experience.

All applications must be signed and submitted by the Local President or their designate. The deadline for registration is 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024. Please ensure your applications are in by that date, any application received after the deadline will not be considered. Applications can be submitted by mail to Vancouver local office unit 109-4238 lozells Avenue Burnaby V5L4C4 or faxed to (604) 685-4931.

In Solidarity,

Anju Parmar, President

 

Join Us for the Metro Vancouver Labour Day Celebration! Volunteers Needed!

We are thrilled to announce that, we are attending the Metro Vancouver Labour Day Celebration with co-hosted by the New Westminster & District Labour Council!

Event Details:

  • Date: Monday, September 2, 2024
  • Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Location: Edmonds Park, 7433 Humphries Ave., Burnaby, BC

Join us in Edmonds Park for a free, fun, and family-friendly celebration! The event will feature:

  • Exciting speakers (starting at 11:00 AM)
  • Bouncy castles, games, and entertainment for kids
  • Live music
  • Food
  • Union and community organization booths
  • And much more!

read more here

Strike, Lockout & Wage-Loss Benefits

CUPW has filed a Notice of Dispute and a strike or Lockout is imminent. it’s important to be proactive and prepared, especially if you’re receiving benefits through WorkSafe BC, STDP or LTD. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know and actions required.

WorkSafe BC (WCB) Claims:

Your wage loss benefits from WorkSafe BC will continue uninterrupted, even if a strike or lockout occurs at Canada Post. This is because WCB provides support regardless of strike actions. *RS&CM Vol.ii policy C5-35.00

Since WCB payments come through Canada Post, a strike could disrupt these payments. If your wage loss benefits are processed via Canada Post, contact your WorkSafe BC case manager as soon as possible. Inform them of the potential strike and discuss alternative payment arrangements directly with WorkSafe BC to ensure continuity.

Contact your case manager to discuss payment arrangements and inform them of the potential strike.

read more here

LOCAL WIDE 50/50

We are excited to announce a 50/50 raffle to raise funds for our picket lines. The proceeds will be used to purchase essential supplies such as water, gear, snacks, and other necessities to keep us well-supported during the strike.

 

  Raffle Details:

  • 1 Ticket for $2
  • 3 Tickets for $5
  • 8 Tickets for $10
  • 20 Tickets for $20 
  • Draw Date: September 28th 2024

 Your participation in this raffle will directly contribute to our collective strength and comfort on the picket lines. Half of the proceeds will go to the winner, and the other half will fund the essential items we need during our strike action.

Support the Cause: Every ticket you buy brings us one step closer to ensuring we have the necessary resources to stand strong together. Let’s make this raffle a huge success!

Thank you for your continued support and solidarity.

In Solidarity,

Kat Poch                                                                                   lb/CUPE-3338

 

Gear Donation Campaign: August 19 – September 28

Dear Members,

As we prepare for the upcoming strike action, we are launching a Gear Donation Campaign to ensure we have the necessary supplies for our time on the picket lines.

Campaign Dates:
Start:   August 19, 2024
End:     September 28, 2024

What We Need:

  • Tents (Pop up canopies or otherwise)
  • Tables
  • Flashlights
  • Stoves
  • Heaters
  • Etc.

Each station is requested to set up a collection area for these items. Please contribute any gear you can spare. Your donations will help us stay strong and well-equipped during the strike.

Collection Details:

  • I will be collecting gear from installations on September 27, 2024.
  • Any extra gear can be brought to the General Membership Meeting (GMM) on September 28, 2024.

Thank you for your continued support and solidarity.

In solidarity,

Kat Poch, Org Director                                                                               lb/CUPW-3338