As my term comes to a close I wanted to take a moment to say a few words.
In my 4 years in office the Local has been through a lot. We saw many changes at the Pacific Processing Centre (the new state of the art facility that we outgrew before we moved in), we saw the continued roll out of Postal Transformation in our Letter Carrier depots, contracting out of work that our own members are qualified to do, the implementation of Canada Post’s 5 point plan, the elimination of the apprenticeship program, the roll out of SSD( Separate Sort from Delivery) at the North Fraser Depot, the opening of the Pacific International Facility,the expiry of 2 collective agreements and 2 rounds of collective bargaining, and most recently rotating strikes and back to work legislation.
The last 4 years have not been easy for anyone. As members on the floor you have increasingly had your work/life balance negatively affected by changes to your work methods and shift times that are not conducive to maintaining that work/life balance. Preparing for any potential job action whether it be a strike or a lock out is extremely stressful. There isn’t always enough money at the end of the day to save for times like these. Actually going on strike was first for many of you and whether it was the first time or the 5th time it is unsettling to have to do that. It is also empowering.
When we got the call to go out you, the membership, came out to support. Some of you spent more time on the picket lines than you were required to. Many of you stepped up to help in whatever capacity the Union needed, in addition to your picket duty. You had an opportunity to spend time with your fellow members in a way we don’t normally get to, due to the nature of our work. Many new friendships were formed. Old ones were rekindled and most importantly you were supporting each other.
Together we are stronger than any of us is on our own. We need to continue to support each other. The Union is not just the activists, the stewards, the Executive. We are all the Union. There is a role for everyone whether it is attending meetings, keeping yourself and your co-workers informed, speaking up when you see something that isn’t right, participating on committees, organizing or activism. The fight for better working conditions and a better quality of work/life balance isn’t over yet. It will never be over as long as employers fail to respect their workers.
I got involved all those years ago because I didn’t like to see people being taken advantage of. I will continue to be involved for those same reasons.
During my term I have had an opportunity to work with many different people and I have learned from all of them. I have been fortunate for the mentorship and the support I have received over the years. I want to thank all of you for that support.
In closing, I hope that you all continue to support each other and your elected representatives. Our fight is far from over and we really are stronger together.
The struggle continues…….
In Solidarity,
Jennifer Savage 