Heartfelt thank you for standing strong
The winter holiday season is upon us and this year like many of you I am not in the festive spirit either. I am angry, disappointed and upset with both Canada Post and the Federal Government.
For more than a year, Canada Post has failed to negotiate with CUPW in good faith. They have demanded rollbacks and made excuses, but have failed to put forward proposals that address real workplace issues.
The Federal Government has made statements about the right to free Collective bargaining and the right to strike, but they have invoked section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to force us back to work.
CUPW members know that back to work orders are not going to increase our morale at work. Back to work orders do not improve labour relations. Back to work orders do not force Canada Post to adopt a reasonable approach in bargaining.
I know that the time since November 15 when we went on strike has affected so many of you.
During this period, I tried to go to every picket line and I have seen amazing solidarity, mutual support and friendship. The range of food on the picket lines and the many different ways your shared meals with each other has been amazing. The spirit on the lines has given me the reasons to stay strong. Your strength on the picket lines has sent a strong message to Canada Post. I loved the dancing, the diversity signs, the costumes, and the dogs.
I want to thank each and every one of you for your solidarity and generosity. It kept me going and I know it kept so many other people strong. I want you all to know that I am proud of the members of the Vancouver local. Your attendance on the picket lines made a huge difference.
I know that some of you feel defeated. But, we have not lost. We still have tremendous support from the public and other Unions. We stopped Canada Post from forcing their rollbacks on us. We continued to push for our rights and justice, in the face of Canada Post’s efforts to discourage us.
Each time we were forced back to work we stayed strong. I urge you all to keep the Solidarity momentum going. Keep on planning the day of actions at your work place.
Once again, I would like to thank the Executives, Picket Captains, Zone coordinators and the volunteers for putting in long hours every day to make things easier for all of us.
I know and I can assure you all that we will be strong, and powerful in 2025.
Season’s greetings and Solidarity,
Anju Parmar, President