Union Launches Protest Campaign After Ordered Back to Work

[momcqueen]

https://www.google.ca/url?sa=i&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjH6LLWq_XeAhXLiFQKHabKBqgQzPwBegQIARAC&url=...

[momcqueen]

It seems to me that CUPW leadership is painting the union membership directly into the next corner with tactics such as this: designated ‘essential service’ with binding arbitration thus permanently assigned.

[cumos55]

Where does that reference to .....essential service .....  come from?

[momcqueen]

It's been bandied about in news, I seem to think.

For reference on what an 'essential service' means to government, labour and law, please see: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/p-33.3/FullText.html and https://labourrights.ca/sites/labourrights.ca/files/documents/cflr_guide_to_negotiating_essential_se... and https://www.lawnow.org/essential-services-and-the-right-to-strike/

[momcqueen]

And, of course, this: https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/services/labour-management/essential-services.ht...

[momcqueen]

http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=27987   4.1 What is an essential service

Under the PSLRA, an “essential service” is defined as “any service, facility or activity of the Government of Canada [that] is or will be necessary for the safety or security of the public or a segment of the public.”

Examples of government services or activities that may be considered essential include, but are not limited to:

• border safety/security
• correctional services
• food inspection activities
• accident safety investigations
• income and social security
• marine safety
• national security
• law enforcement
• search and rescue

Although the notion of “safety or security of the public” is not defined in the Act, some examples may be found in jurisprudence. (See Annex A for examples).

Annex A – Jurisprudence

The following principles are derived from past PSSRB and PSLRB case law on designations and the former essential services agreements (ESAs). Because decisions of the Employer are subject to judicial review, Departmental managers and human resource officials should keep these principles in mind when designating essential services positions.

1. “Inconvenience to the public” is not a valid consideration for determining essential services.
2. The mental, psychological or emotional state of individuals is not covered by the idea of safety or security of the public.
3. Management may designate where there is merely the possibility that human life or public safety would be harmed, but it must consider the employee’s regular duties only and not extraordinary or hypothetical situations. “Safety or security” can also relate to future situations.
4. Safety/security-related duties do not encompass duties that would protect the employer or the public from economic hardship.
5. Employees who maintain equipment/facilities that may contribute to safety do perform duties that are necessary for the safety or security of the public.
6. The term “public” is to be given a broad meaning. It includes employees and inmates.

[cumos55]

It was several months ago that  the definition of essential service was viewed at various locations online .

A postal service was not readily viewed as an essential service....  However, it was placed in a list with an option to make it an essential service.

One can conclude based on the effect of the strike   on businesses that use Canada Post,  and the fact that  a fully functional Canada Post can be defined as required by Canadians, 12 months of a year, without any form of interference.

We are at a point now where Canada Post can be defined as an essential service.   The internet .... with online selling and buying , as well as other very successful Canadian businesses, have changed the value of Canada Post to all Canadians.

Ultimately, the Government should consider defining Canada Post as an essential service. 

This last Canada Post strike was  "inconvenience to the public"    Jurisprudence doe not define this as an essential service....  However,  the law can be adjusted/changed.....    The monetary value, the total loss experienced by businesses because of this last strike, becomes a major consideration in relation to Canada's economy.  It is a  reality that  small businesses were most affected negatively by the strike.  These businesses have become a significant part of Canada's retail environment

-----------------------------------

The US postal Service is currently negotiating a new contract with its workers.  The workers... cannot go on strike....   Legislation was introduced many years ago...This process proceeds without question.

The last postal strike in the US was in 1970,  a wildcat strike....  that strike was not quite legal.... Settled within 8 days, without any  legal ramifications.  There is no way to see how a union would  go on strike today and survive where companies like Amazon, eBay,  and thousands more would make life extremely difficult for the union.  No work stoppage,  and a new contract will be negotiated.  This should happen soon.

Can Canada do the same? 

[cumos55]

From the CUPW website   .....dated November 28, 2018

"This morning, we were informed that members of several major unions in British Columbia have set up picket-lines at the Pacific Processing Centre, the third largest mail plant in the country.  In solidarity with postal workers, the protest-line will allow workers in, but will not allow mail out."

The strike continues..

Allow workers in... but... mail not allowed out...

This is the last thing anyone wants to hear.

Maybe they should be fined as if they were members of CUPW..

[momcqueen]

“ In solidarity with postal workers, the protest-line will allow workers in, but will not allow mail out."

Sounds like the police need to be called.

[cumos55]

My decision to take my store off vacation  must be questioned.....

The strike has not ended.....  Other Unions are now involved.....

[cumos55]

The strike created a mess....  

The strike is  over,   but the Canada Post mess  may take months to disappear.

How can we sell online if buyers might get their purchase a month, or months  after the day of purchase?

If this mess does not clear up soon....  my selling on eBay may end

CUPW can go on strike....  but ..... Does CUPW have the right to create collateral damage?

Monetary damage... How much???????.....   Millions...  and that includes all online sellers, as well as other sellers that have been using Canada Post

A start... Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)  with 110,000 members.

From the CFIB website......

"A recent survey of CFIB members found that 71 per cent supported legislating the postal workers back to work. Two thirds of small businesses reported they had been negatively affected by the strike, at an average cost of $3,000. In fact, 67 per cent suffered cash flow interruptions as a result of delayed cheques and invoices, and 53 per cent had to switch to a more expensive delivery service."

[forester_studios]

They need to be arrested and charged. Blocking public highways is criminal.

[momcqueen]

I've said this on two threads already and I'm going to say it again:

I think Canada Post and CUPW owe Canadian small business and online sellers like us an explanation for this debacle. I want to see Canada Post and CUPW reps come to a panel discussion on the ebay Canada Community boards to discuss meeting our expectations and also to assure us that we are are valued and appreciated customers who should remain loyal to Canada Post now and into the future. 

[forester_studios]

Their actions speak louder than any words could. CP has been raising prices and cutting shipping options for years. The only thing they they appreciate about us is the money we pay them. Corporate platitudes justifying the status quo won't impress me at this point. However if you think a panel discussion would actually benefit ebay sellers I would not argue against it.

[momcqueen]

I think that both Canada Post management and their union leadership are obligated to hear our thoughts and feelings at this point. We’ve been placed in a (bad word) position and the least they can do for us is entertain our feedback on it.

[forester_studios]

I agree. Wish I could say their words will mean much at this point however. Now if they want to chip in and send every Canadian seller on ebay a cheque for stress and worry as compensation that would be nice. They should "put their money where their mouths are".

[cumos55]

They only know how to eat money!

and   They NO everything that does not suit them.

[katlover1952]

I did not put my store on vacation but ended all my listings that were not expensive enough to justify tracked shipping. (Went from about 700 items to 60). I decided to relist a few after the supposed end if the strike although I must admit was still concerned about delays etc. 

Then tonight I read the same news article about Richmond plant. Would not surprise me in the least of CUPW didn’t request the assistance from other unions. I agree why are the police not being called.

Not sure now what to do.

[forester_studios]

I sent 6 parcels today that will be on the way there right now. Wonder how long my customers packages will be held up by the highwaymen's mob. I always thought it was illegal for someone to block a highway. Guess if you are a union you get a free pass. If anyone else did it they'd be ordered to clear off by police. Is there no rule of law in this country anymore?

[forester_studios]

For anyone interested, here is a link to Global's website with the video. Hard to believe the guy 20 seconds in thinks he's protecting the economy by destroying the livelihood of small business people! I guess if your not a union member you have no right to earn a living in Canada anymore.
https://globalnews.ca/news/4707805/b-c-unions-picket-canada-post-richmond/