And I have been retired for over 12 years. Retirement was one of the best decisions I ever made. So why do I want to support CUPW workers in this strike?
Clearly it is not because I like spending lots of time on picket lines. While I have had fun and some amazing conversations on the line, I know that picketing in the rain and wind is hard. And, as I get older and struggle with walking and mobility issues it is difficult for me to be on the line.
But, I have gone to several lines, attended several rallies and done as much as I can do to support striking postal workers for the following reasons:
- During my time at Canada Post me and all my coworkers fought hard to improve our wages and working conditions. It is something I am enormously proud about. I don’t want to see these gains eroded.
- During the pandemic I benefited from postal workers processing and delivering my letters and parcels. They were heroes to me and still are. It upsets and angers me that Canada Post is now treating postal workers as villains.
- I saw too many workers getting injured when I was working at Canada Post and I am meeting retirees who have carried those injuries and pain into retirement. That is wrong and needs to change.
- When I first started working at Canada Post in 1974, I made $4.24 an hour and I could afford food, rent, vacations and have money to spare. It was great. Now I am meeting postal workers who are struggling to pay rent.
- I know how expanded postal services such as senior check-in services will alleviate some of the concerns my friends and family have about me. That will certainly reduce some tension between me and them. I want that to happen.
- I have a secure retirement because I have a Canada Post Defined Benefit Pension Plan. I want others to have the same. But, if Canada Post gets away with a far less secure Defined Contribution Pension plan for new hires not only will my pension plan be possibly weakened, but others won’t have the same wonderful retirement that I have.
- I am mad that a company I worked really hard for has decided to take away the extended health benefits of strikers. That is just plain mean. And it is really cruel to deny people on short term disability leave their money during this strike.
- With all the stuff going on in this world inspiration is hard to find. And, when I go to picket lines or talk to strikers I am constantly inspired by CUPW members on the picket line. I see solidarity, I see support, I see creativity, and I see determination. This makes my life better.
So, thank you and remember the Struggle Continues. I am with you.
In Solidarity,
Marion Pollack (Retiree)