CUPW is in bargaining for the Urban Operations Collective Agreement. Our goal is to obtain a collective agreement that meets the needs of our members. But, if Canada Post continues to demand rollbacks, a strike and/or a lockout may occur.
We need to ensure all members of the Urban Operations bargaining unit are prepared.
Support your Local Union
Participate in Union Actions
Past experience shows that work floor actions have a significant impact at the bargaining table. By participating in union activities that keep the pressure on management to bargain with us, you are strengthening your union and your future.
If and when a strike vote happens, please attend the meetings. History has shown us that strong strike votes have often motivated Canada Post to back off on rollbacks.
Also, please ensure that your name is on a strike/lockout duty list.
Talk to your Family and Friends
Inform your family and friends that there is a real possibility you may be involved in a strike or a lockout. Talk about the implications of this and work out ways they can be allies and support you.
Money and Financial Issues
Financial concerns are always an issue. CUPW urges you, if possible to put some money aside every pay day for your own strike and/or lockout fund.
Some members have asked whether they should take out lines of credit. This is a decision you need to take with your family and financial institution.
Strike Pay
Article 7.24 of the National Constitution reads:
Subject to the availability of funds, strike pay in the minimal amount of $175 shall be paid to the member for each week of a strike ………
… For the purposes of this section, “week” shall mean each period of seven days or more during which the Local is on strike during five days and “strike” includes “lockout”.
The strike pay shall be paid at the beginning of the week following the period referred to hereinabove.”
You must take part in strike and/or lockout activities in order to be entitled to strike pay. Your Local determines the activities.
What about my benefits?
The Extended Health Care Plan coverage for you, your spouse and your children ceases at the end of the first month in which you are on strike and/or lockout.
The Hearing and Vision Plan coverage for you, your spouse and your children ends on the date you go on strike and/or lockout.
The Dental Plan coverage for you, your spouse and your children ends on the date you go on strike and/or lockout.
Provincial medical premiums may also be affected.
What about my Canada Post pension?
Time spent on strike is not included as pensionable service.
What happens is I go on sick leave prior to a strike and/or lockout?
If you go on certified sick leave prior to a strike and/or lockout, you should remain on sick leave for the period outlined by your physician.
What about vacation leave in the event of a strike and/or lockout?
The rules about vacation leave during a strike and/or a lock out will be entirely determined by Canada Post.
What if I am on disability insurance?
If you are on disability insurance prior to a strike and/or lockout, you should remain on disability insurance.
Some ways to keep updated
In order to be aware of the latest news please:
- read CUPW bulletins;
- go to the website www.cupw.ca
- sign up for the e-digest at www.cupw.ca/edigest
- sign up for the news feed at www.cupw.ca/rss
The best way to avoid a strike or a lockout is to support your Union and to support your negotiators. CUPW wants a settlement, not a strike or a lockout, but in order to achieve this, please remember that union solidarity is essential.
In solidarity,
Denis Lemelin
National President and Chief Negotiator