Should We Be Preparing for a Canada Post Strike?

[teenytrinkets]

Is anyone closely following strike negotiations?

I'll likely have Time Away scheduled to avoid any Strike mayhem, but wondering what will happen to any lettermail/ packages that are already in the "stream". Will they sit at a depot/DC or on a truck for the duration, or will they likely have a rotating strike and keep moving things along with just delays?

[tellephoto]

I will repeat it, the Unionized Postal workers should not be allowed to strike. They are classed as essential workers. Small Businesses should not be held hostage.  We lost Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas.  Even if they went back to work tomorrow, the backlog is so great that it will take weeks to catch up. Like Fergua3 said, workers will now not be able to recover lost wages.  The union's plan to use this time of the year to apply pressure did not work.  No one is Happy.

[marnotom!]

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@tellephoto wrote:

I will repeat it, the Unionized Postal workers should not be allowed to strike. They are classed as essential workers. Small Businesses should not be held hostage.  We lost Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas.  Even if they went back to work tomorrow, the backlog is so great that it will take weeks to catch up. Like Fergua3 said, workers will now not be able to recover lost wages.  The union's plan to use this time of the year to apply pressure did not work.  

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I think it's too early to say whether the strike strategy "worked" or not.  You seem to be looking at the strike as a tactic for a quick fix, and it would be pretty poor bargaining on Canada Post management's part to suddenly lay out all its cards on the table for the union and mediator to see.  As is the case with tense negotiations, both sides are showing their hands one card at a time, and it likely took the strike to get Canada Post to start taking out its cards again.

As I noted elsewhere, a McGill University professor specializing in labour issues argues that Canada Post was likely expecting quick back to work legislation once CUPW went on strike, and this hasn't happened.  I'd also argue that there might also be the possibility that CUPW was expecting the same but somehow hoped to avoid binding arbitration in this legislation, at the very least.

For what it's worth, I note that on these boards we seem to be using the term "essential workers" and "essential services" interchangably.  My understanding is that "essential workers" are allowed to take job action without being legislated back to work so long as their workplace isn't classified as an "essential service," which I believe Canada Post falls under, just as the work at the Vancouver ports and the rail services are considered essential services.  In addition, not all essential workers are unionized.  Feel free to correct me if I'm off-base on this.

[flipistics]

It looks like the union has sent a new outline of their demands. They're asking for the following (as best as I can tell):

Combined:

• Wage increases of 9%, 4%, 3%, and 3% over 4 years.
• Cost of living allowance (they don't give details)
• 10 medical days + 7 personal days
• short-term disability payments equal to 80% wages
• Improved rights for temporary workers, etc.

RSMC (rural and suburban carriers):

• overtime for all hours above assessed time, paid daily (I think)
• 8 hour routes retained whenever possible
• corporate vehicles for (as far as I can tell) a good portion of the routes
• improved job security
• something about a process to cover absences

Urban Carriers:

• no sort and delivery on foot routes
• 20 hour minimum for all part time employees
• protections against technological change
• more full time staff and more relief employees
• job security
• no contracting out routes
• some kind of vehicle maintenance / repair program

[tellephoto]

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@marnotom! wrote:For what it's worth, I note that on these boards we seem to be using the term "essential workers" and "essential services" interchangably.  My understanding is that "essential workers" are allowed to take job action without being legislated back to work so long as their workplace isn't classified as an "essential service," which I believe Canada Post falls under, just as the work at the Vancouver ports and the rail services are considered essential services.  In addition, not all essential workers are unionized.  Feel free to correct me if I'm off-base on this.

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Canada Post is an essential service. One Ebayer in this thread also posted the Government link showing all the Goverment agencies that are considered essential service.  Of course the simple way it also just to google it.  In the USA USPS is also deemed an essential service.  One big difference is in the United States, Postal workers can not strike.

Canada Post is classified as an essential service, which allows the federal government to introduce legislation if it wants to in order to end a work stoppage.

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[marnotom!]

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@tellephoto wrote:Canada Post is an essential service. One Ebayer in this thread also posted the Government link showing all the Goverment agencies that are considered essential service.  Of course the simple way it also just to google it.  In the USA USPS is also deemed an essential service.  One big difference is in the United States, Postal workers can not strike.

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My wording of my previous post is a little clumsy, but I agree that Canada Post is an essential service.  What I'm saying is that I don't believe that there's anything that prevents certain unionized essential workers from striking if they're not performing certain essential services.

The British Columbia government defines essential services as:

. . . those daily services essential to preserving life, health, public safety and basic
societal functioning. They are the services British Columbians come to rely on in their daily lives.

Looking at the list of essential services in that document, I can see examples of essential services that would likely not be forbidden from taking full strike action, such as grocery workers.  There may be some essential services where workers would only be able to take strike action if agreed to minimum service levels are met, however.

[sin-n-dex]

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@marnotom! wrote:

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@tellephoto wrote:Canada Post is an essential service. One Ebayer in this thread also posted the Government link showing all the Goverment agencies that are considered essential service.  Of course the simple way it also just to google it.  In the USA USPS is also deemed an essential service.  One big difference is in the United States, Postal workers can not strike.

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My wording of my previous post is a little clumsy, but I agree that Canada Post is an essential service.  What I'm saying is that I don't believe that there's anything that prevents certain unionized essential workers from striking if they're not performing certain essential services.

The British Columbia government defines essential services as:

. . . those daily services essential to preserving life, health, public safety and basic
societal functioning. They are the services British Columbians come to rely on in their daily lives.

Looking at the list of essential services in that document, I can see examples of essential services that would likely not be forbidden from taking full strike action, such as grocery workers.  There may be some essential services where workers would only be able to take strike action if agreed to minimum service levels are met, however.

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There's a teenager in Iqualuit who needs diabetic supplies to be delivered by mail (for her insulin pump). With no mail, they can't get the supplies they need for her to live. (This was covered a few days ago on The National - CBC).

I think mail is essential (at least where there's no courier options).

C.

[fergua3]

Canada Post has already rejected the union's new proposal.  They issued a warning that there is no end in sight to the strike.

[marnotom!]

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@sin-n-dex wrote:

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I think mail is essential (at least where there's no courier options).

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And I said almost as much in the beginning of my post.

[tellephoto]

Letter from Mark Lubinski

[marnotom!]

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@tellephoto wrote:

Letter from Mark Lubinski

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Do you have a link to where that letter can be found?  I'd like to see it in a broader context.

EDITED TO ADD:  Never mind.  I found it here, though not on letterhead.  It's a bulletin, rather than a letter.

[flipistics]

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@tellephoto wrote:

Letter from Mark Lubinski

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Yep, that'll sure help the negotiations. 🙄

It definitely takes a pair to go after the government as well, who thus far has actually supported the workers in letting the strike happen rather than mandating them back to work. It almost makes me wonder if they believe they miscalculated and want to be ordered back to work rather than give in.

[tellephoto]

Here is an update from Canada Post

https://m.communications.canadapost-postescanada.ca/nl/jsp/m.jsp?c=%408ljau6wUeb5DE%2FuiPLqNTjEuVvHe...

[fergua3]

Yes i think so too.  I think they went on strike expecting to be ordered back to work, even counting on it.   Though unions always complain, when binding arbitration is imposed they always get a better deal than what they were able to negotiate at the table.  They may have  figured a strike so close to Christmas would get quick action from the gov't, especially in light of the quick action taken in the rail and dock strikes.

That hasn't materialzied and now the workers are beginning to starve and CUPW is in a jam.

This does not in anyway excuse the Liberals for their unforgiveable inaction.  Millions of Canadians are being hurt by this strike, including the 55,000 CUPW workers.  Action 3 weeks ago would have prevented all this mess.

And it clearly is not helping the Liberals, election-wise, as despite  Liberal "support" of the union by not stepping in,  CUPW is mad at them....so no vote support there next election.

[tellephoto]

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@fergua3 wrote:

And it clearly is not helping the Liberals, election-wise, as despite  Liberal "support" of the union by not stepping in,  CUPW is mad at them....so no vote support there next election.

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The NDP made it clear to the Liberals that they should not force the workers back to work. Why? The NDP say they'll vote against any back-to-work bill, even a confidence motion. It was the confidence motion that scared the Liberals

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[fergua3]

yah i figureed that's what it is and that is zero excuse.   For once politicians need to prioritize the good of the nation over their political self interests or preservation.  For once.

Singh is no better.   He keeps spouting off about standing up for Canadain workers.  What about all the tens of thousands of workers at the companies getting crushed by the strike?  Doesn't seem to give a hoot about their livlihoods, their lay offs.   He only cares about and supports the workers who donate to NDP election campaigns.

Pollievere is equallly guilty.  The Conservatives have always supported small and medium businesses in Canada ; have always supported back to work legislation for CUPW.   He whines and complains about everything else the Liberals do......why is he not barking about the strike?   Instead we get crickets from Pollievre about the strike.  And why?  Because he's sucking up for union votes.

Shame on the whole lot of them..

[tellephoto]

We need someone like Maxime Bernier leader of the People's Party of Canada. But he is basically unknow to most Canadians. Therefore, does not get the votes needed, even in his own riding.

Here is a quick summary of some of the points made in Canada Post letter.

In the last few weeks, Canada Post has made several important moves to close the gap and reach negotiated agreements, but the union has reverted to their previous positions or increased their demands.
Our core business is delivery. While postal services around the world are working constructively to evolve their delivery approach to respond to changing customer needs, CUPW’s demands reinforce the status quo and add significant and unsustainable long-term fixed costs. One example is continuing to demand that our facility cleaning staff and other contracted support services become permanent Canada Post employees.

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Canada Post comments

Maintaining our largely full-time delivery workforce while creating weekend part-time positions – providing benefits, guaranteed hours and opportunities for temporary employees.

Wage increases above our previous offers.

Approximately 70% of current employees are at the maximum current salary range, making more than $30 per hour, plus overtime and cost-of-living allowance payments.

Providing good pensions for retirement.

Maintaining up to 7 weeks of vacation and 13 personal days.

[fergua3]

if that information is factual the workers are doing better than i thought.   $30 per hour  and up to 7 weeks vacation plus personal days and medical days and every federal holiday.   They also currently get 70% pay for short term disability.....industry standard is 60%.

On the other hand they haven't had a pay raise in 3 years while executive pay has gone up considerably.

[sin-n-dex]

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@marnotom! wrote:

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@sin-n-dex wrote:

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I think mail is essential (at least where there's no courier options).

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And I said almost as much in the beginning of my post.

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I'm agreeing with you.

C.

[tellephoto]

Stay Strong Postal Workers; the Path to Fairness is Never Easy

Thursday December 12 2024

In the midst of the ongoing postal strike, it’s easy to feel disheartened. The pressure of public opinion, financial strain, and relentless pushback can make even the most steadfast among us question this fight. But this is the time to pause and remember why this strike matters. This isn’t just about pay or benefits—it’s about fairness, dignity, and the recognition that the work you do is important to communities across the country.

Strikes are never easy. They demand sacrifice, resilience, and a belief that change is worth fighting for. It’s natural to feel the weight of criticism, especially when disruptions to services bring frustration from the public. But let’s not lose sight of the fact that this decision wasn’t made lightly. Strikes are a last resort, the outcome of stalled negotiations and broken promises, and a necessary step to demand accountability.

Every letter, package, and cheque you handle plays a crucial role in keeping communities connected and lives running smoothly. Yet, the significance of this work is often overlooked amid the routines and demands of daily life. This strike serves as a chance to highlight the importance of your contributions to this country, and to advocate for the respect and fairness that your work merits.

As difficult as it may feel, remember that you’re not alone. You have your coworkers beside you, facing the same challenges and striving for the same goals. Lean on one another when morale dips, share stories, and remind each other why this fight is necessary. Together, your collective strength can overcome any obstacle.

Progress is rarely straightforward, and change is often slow, but history has shown us that solidarity among workers can lead to victories. By holding the line, you’re not only standing up for yourselves but paving the way for future postal workers to be treated with the fairness they deserve.

To every postal worker enduring this challenge, know that your courage and determination are invaluable. The path you’re walking may be hard, but it is for a cause that matters. When this strike is behind you, you’ll look back with pride, knowing you stood firm for what was right. Stay strong. Your efforts today will shape a better tomorrow for all.

In solidarity,

Jan Simpson

National President

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The above is the latest note from the Union.  Someone from Reddit said this......The break even point for the 19% that the union wants over 4 years will be 49 working days, so about 10 weeks. At that point the union members have lost 19% pay by striking. 

[fergua3]

Meanwhile, Jan is still collecting her fat pay cheques from the union.   And how many hours  in the freezing cold has Jan spent on the picket line?