eBay

teenytrinkets · ‎10-20-2024

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?

skylarstuff · ‎12-01-2024

@marnotom! wrote:
Canada Post has received no government/taxpayer funding since becoming a Crown Corporation in 1981.

In 2023, Canada Post received a government appropriation of about $22 million to help with the financial impact of government mail and materials for people who are blind or partially sighted.

Besides that, I understand on paper that it says Canada Post is not funded by Tax payers. But the continued losses are paid with money we do not have. That debt effects all Canadians negatively. It's not a free ride with no penalty to the population of all Canadians.

tellephoto · ‎12-02-2024

NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE: UNION CONTINUES TO REVIEW CANADA POST’S “COMPREHENSIVE FRAMEWORK”

Monday December 2 2024

2023-2027 / Bulletin #175

No. 59

Today, CUPW Negotiators carefully reviewed the Corporation’s December 1st “comprehensive framework” documents which contain Canada Post’s latest adjustments to their demands.

Some progress has been made; Canada Post has moved closer to the Union’s position. For example, there was movement on the defined benefit pension.

That said, overall, the framework still remains far from something members could ratify. The Corporation remains uncompromising on many of its most severe demands for what it calls “flexibility” - a Canada Post plan which, if implemented, will come at the expense of workers. Additionally, there are no fixes for our health and safety concerns, and not enough movement on benefits.

Union Ready to Resume Talks

We are now in the third week of our nationwide strike. The Union is prepared to return to the bargaining table. We’re waiting to be called back by the mediators. Canada Post should focus on negotiating with the Union in good faith - instead of attempting to shape public opinion by reaching out to the media first. Our Negotiators want nothing more than to achieve good collective agreements so that postal workers can get back to doing the work they love.

The Negotiators appreciate members’ continuous support as our nationwide strike continues

We are 55,000 strong, and together we are unstoppable!

In Solidarity,

Jan Simpson

National President

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

"That said, overall, the framework still remains far from something members could ratify." are they even checking with the workers on this? and what does this message send "We are 55,000 strong, and together we are unstoppable! "

byto253 · ‎12-02-2024

When CBC reports Canada Post losses as headline news, should they not also state the $1.4 billion subsidy they get every year 😎

marnotom! · ‎12-02-2024

@byto253 wrote:

When CBC reports Canada Post losses as headline news, should they not also state the $1.4 billion subsidy they get every year 😎

From whom is Canada Post getting these subsidies? It claims that it's not taxpayer-funded.

lotzofuniquegoodies · ‎12-03-2024

@tellephoto wrote:
NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE: UNION CONTINUES TO REVIEW CANADA POST’S “COMPREHENSIVE FRAMEWORK”
Monday December 2 2024
2023-2027 / Bulletin #175
No. 59
Today, CUPW Negotiators carefully reviewed the Corporation’s December 1st “comprehensive framework” documents which contain Canada Post’s latest adjustments to their demands.
Some progress has been made; Canada Post has moved closer to the Union’s position. For example, there was movement on the defined benefit pension.
That said, overall, the framework still remains far from something members could ratify. The Corporation remains uncompromising on many of its most severe demands for what it calls “flexibility” - a Canada Post plan which, if implemented, will come at the expense of workers. Additionally, there are no fixes for our health and safety concerns, and not enough movement on benefits.
Union Ready to Resume Talks
We are now in the third week of our nationwide strike. The Union is prepared to return to the bargaining table. We’re waiting to be called back by the mediators. Canada Post should focus on negotiating with the Union in good faith - instead of attempting to shape public opinion by reaching out to the media first. Our Negotiators want nothing more than to achieve good collective agreements so that postal workers can get back to doing the work they love.
The Negotiators appreciate members’ continuous support as our nationwide strike continues
We are 55,000 strong, and together we are unstoppable!
In Solidarity,
Jan Simpson
National President

------------------------
"That said, overall, the framework still remains far from something members could ratify." are they even checking with the workers on this? and what does this message send "We are 55,000 strong, and together we are unstoppable! "

@tellephoto

According to recent reports the CP strike is costing small business in Canada a big chunk of change each day this strike goes one.

<Tongue in cheek> Does anyone know who will be cutting small businesses a cheque <not to be put in the mail> when this is resolved to cover any losses? By my calculation .0001 % of that would be seems fair for the <tiny> inconvenience!! Sound good to everyone else? Or is that being too wishful?

@marnotom! @byto253 The Canadian Gov still provides subsidies for food shipped by air to the far north. (I thought at 1 time the gov subsidized Canada Post also to the far north. Guess that is no longer true.) Some food items may go mail but majority would be air freight. According to the northern residents, majority of that subsidy is believed to be pocketed by the co-ops according to several recent investigations on the subject. Spotted another news story recently 168.00 bucks for a 20 lb turkey in La Ronge, N. Sask. That shouldn't be legal!!!

If you are interested there is a doozy of a report - The Mail Monopoly from 1990 on gov subsidies of postal systems by the Fraser Institute. Not a light read.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/rising-food-prices-canada-north-1.7122481

From page 231:

If it ever did become privatized, how long would it take for it to earn our trust?

flipistics · ‎12-03-2024

@lotzofuniquegoodies wrote:
If it ever did become privatized, how long would it take for it to earn our trust?

If it ever becomes privatized, it will very likely collapse within a few years and the government will be forced to buy it back.

tellephoto · ‎12-03-2024

https://nationalpost.com/opinion/the-only-way-to-save-canada-post-is-to-privatize-it

marnotom! · ‎12-04-2024

The fact of the matter is, the relationship many of us have with Canada Post Corporation, be we business owner/operators, consumers, or grandparents trying to mail stuff to relatives, is complicated and even conflicted. Even eBay gets sellers discounts from Canada Post but has no problems with eBay International Shipping contractees using questionable "gig economy" carriers for last mile delivery.

I'm in the camp that thinks that many of our elected officials have a secret or unspoken agenda to privatize it or at least decimate its operations and sway public opinion in the direction of privatization or even elimination, and as a result, the corporation execs who report to the government have no idea if they're supposed to be competing with the private sector in the digital age or complementing it.

I found this article this morning, and while it's lengthy by internet standards, it's a pretty breezy read.

https://www.readthemaple.com/canada-post-workers-are-fighting-an-employer-led-race-to-the-bottom/

A few of the points that stood out for or occured to me:

Mainstream media coverage has focussed on the corporation's side of the story. A lot of the points made in this article about what CUPW workers have been dealing with has not been publicized widely
Despite infrastructure upgrades, Canada Post was unable to handle the volume of goods shipped by Amazon, leading the e-tailer to look elsewhere for most of its shipping
Canada Post management may have been hoping for back to work legislation that has not materialized
The Retail Council of Canada has been hoping for such legislation, despite opinion in the press and reports from certain think-tanks suggesting that privatization is the way to go

Those saying that CUPW should adapt to change should remember that it has done just that in the past and it's trying to negotiate a new set of changes while protecting the safety and well-being of its workers. The article makes considerable mention of how Amazon is treating its "delivery service partners" and suggests that Canada Post may be trying to emulate that model. Also consider that franchised postal outlets were probably a big concession that had to be made by all of the unions under the Canada Post umbrella, so it's not as though CUPW and the other Canada Post unions prevent changes at any cost.

Okay, flame away.

fergua3 · ‎12-04-2024

i understand where CUPW is coming from. But to resist change as the world changes around you is doomed to failure. CUPW can either accept some adaptations now or face massive changes down the road when privatization happens. Privatization which is becoming ever more likely due to long strikes that frustrate or infuriate the Canadian public. Or worse, demonstrate just how irrelevent Canada Post is becoming to many.

The workers have lost nearly 3 weeks pay now. And that doesn't include the overtime money they could have made on top of regular hours. They will never recover that money no matter what deal they get as a result of their strike action. A strike that stil has no end in sight.

Like it or not, in business, resist change at your own peril...

tellephoto · ‎12-04-2024

In my opinion, Canada Post workers should not be able to strike. They are considered essential workers. The union should not hold us all hostage while they try to cut a deal at the bargaining table. USPS workers in the USA cannot strike, but can picket on their own time. We need to have the same laws in Canada.

lotzofuniquegoodies · ‎12-04-2024

@tellephoto wrote:
In my opinion, Canada Post workers should not be able to strike. They are considered essential workers. The union should not hold us all hostage while they try to cut a deal at the bargaining table. USPS workers in the USA cannot strike, but can picket on their own time. We need to have the same laws in Canada.

According to Betterteam this is what they understand to be essential workers. CP employees "would/should" fall under #8. The list it is for Canada. It may vary province to province. (Recent history - Covid)

Essential workers are individuals who perform services that are critical to maintaining the health, safety, economic, and community well-being of the population. In Canada, the list of workers who are considered essential varies by province and territory.

Essential Worker Categories:

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian government stated that essential workers are those "critical to preserving life, health, and basic societal functioning." Workers across a variety of industry sectors performing services that support the critical infrastructure are deemed essential.

Critical infrastructure refers to all the processes, systems, facilities, technologies, networks, assets, and services necessary for effective government, public safety, and the basic functioning of society.

It is important to note that this list only covers main categories of essential services and that the list of workers and services designated as essential varies by province and territory. Employers should, therefore, check with their local government bodies regarding the situation in their province or territory.

1. First responders.

First responders are individuals that provide immediate assistance when there is an accident or emergency.

Examples of first responders:

Firefighters.
Police officers.
Paramedics.
Emergency medical services personnel.
911 call center employees.

2. Healthcare workers.

Healthcare professionals deliver essential services that cannot be interrupted or shut down under any circumstances. They play a critical role in preventing diseases and provide healthcare treatment, performing vital services, such as testing and research, patient care, administration of medication, and more.

Examples of healthcare workers:

Nurses.
Doctors.
Pharmacists.
Dentists.
Psychologists.
Social workers.
Technicians.
Caregivers.

3. Energy and utilities.

Workers in the energy and utility sector are considered essential as they ensure the supply of electricity, water, and sanitation services.

Examples of workers essential to energy and utilities:

Engineers.
Technicians.
Risk analysts.
Utility workers.
Business analysts and developers.
Plant operators.

4. Critical goods.

Maintaining a steady supply of critical goods, such as food and medical supplies, is vital. Therefore, workers in every stage of the supply chain for critical goods, from manufacturing to transport and sales, are deemed essential.

Examples of workers essential to the supply of critical goods:

Grocery stores.
Pharmacies.
Farmers.
Food processing workers.
Warehouse workers.
Production workers.
Sales personnel.

5. Information and communication technology.

The information and communication technology (ICT) sector plays an important role in keeping the public informed of the state of things, news, official directives, developments, and more.

Examples of essential ICT workers:

Call center operators.
Network service providers.
Media services.
Telecommunication services.
Technicians.
Datacenter operators.

6. Manufacturing.

Manufacturing workers that are responsible for the production of materials and products that support the maintenance of critical infrastructures, such as the medical supplies for health services, are considered essential workers.

7. Government.

Government workers providing services that are necessary for the safety or security of the public and the efficient functioning of government are considered essential.

8. Transportation.

Workers that provide and support transportation services, including air, rail, and road transport, are considered essential.

Rail crews.
Air crews.
Air traffic controllers.
Truck drivers.
Maintenance mechanics.

9. Financial services.

Financial services are considered essential and therefore employees ensuring the continued functioning of financial systems and services are also considered essential workers.

For immigration purposes the list is much longer.

https://www.cicsimmigration.com/canadian-immigration-information/express-entry/canadian-experience-c...

151 – Mail and message distribution occupations

1511	Mail, postal and related workers
1512	Letter carriers
1513	Couriers, messengers and door-to-door distributors

marnotom! · ‎12-04-2024

I don't get the sense that CUPW is resistant to change, only that it's resistant to the scope of change that Canada Post is proposing. The unions agreed to a system of franchised postal outlets back in the day, and I'm sure that they'll agree to some restructuring of other aspects of the corporation as long as there isn't a deleterious affect on how employees are compensated and these changes don't have sufficient worker safety measures in place.

Remember, a well-compensated workforce working in an environment with adequate safety measures in place benefits more than just the workforce. People can't buy your goods if the don't have the discretionary income to do so, and a hobbled worker places a burden on the health care system we cherish so much as Canadians as well as affecting the efficiency of the workplace.

marnotom! · ‎12-04-2024

Oops

. . . as long as there isn't a deleterious affect on how employees are compensated and these changes xxxx have sufficient worker safety measures in place

(The "strike" tag isn't available on the mobile site's HTML editor. No strikes? Hmm. . . 🤔 🤪)

tellephoto · ‎12-04-2024

@marnotom! wrote:
Remember, a well-compensated workforce working in an environment with adequate safety measures in place benefits more than just the workforce. People can't buy your goods if the don't have the discretionary income to do so, and a hobbled worker places a burden on the health care system we cherish so much as Canadians as well as affecting the efficiency of the workplace.

Not my words but by Journalist Matthew Lau National Post

The deleterious effects of unions are well known. Unions break the link between workers’ productivity and compensation through collective bargaining, and in doing so, they discourage work effort, protect unproductive workers, disincentivize workers from investing in their own human capital and kill innovation. These negative effects get worse over time, as workers who value productivity and innovation stay away from unionized jobs, while unionized workplaces attract people who value being protected from the negative consequences of their poor job performance.

Given all this, it is no surprise that unions are highly prevalent in inefficient sectors but don’t tend to do very well in competitive environments — witness the 73.5 per cent unionization rate in Canada’s public sector versus 13.7 per cent in the private sector. The fact is that Canada Post’s parcel delivery service is uncompetitive. In a recent paper, Ian Lee found that the all-in operating costs (labour, vehicles and fuel) of delivering parcels is about $50 to $60 per hour for Canada Post, compared to $40 to $50 for legacy couriers such as Purolator and FedEx, and $20 to $30 for private competitors using gig workers. The union’s demand that weekend deliveries be handled by full-time staff, which will necessitate the hiring of more workers at above-market rates or overtime for existing employees, will only make the Crown corporation less competitive.

marnotom! · ‎12-05-2024

What nonsense. Health care workers are unionized. Firefighters are unionized. Police officers are unionized. Teachers are unionized. Hockey players and other professional athletes are unionized. Even some journalists are unionized.

I don’t see how collective agreements discourage the job performance of people in these professions or contribute to inefficient work environments.

tellephoto · ‎12-08-2024

https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/canada-post-strike-union-extremely-disappointed-in-latest-offer-nego...

fergua3 · ‎12-08-2024

well maybe this is good news. Since talks are STILL going nowhere maybe now the gov't will do something. History has proven it is impossible to bargain with CUPW.

joycroe_0 · ‎12-08-2024

The government just reiterated again yesterday that it is NOT stepping in.

This looks like it's going to drag on well into the new year if I'm being honest.

fergua3 · ‎12-08-2024

well it doesn't look good then. The only hope now is the workers themselves get tired of striking and having zero income. CP will never satisfy CUPW's demands. They are untenable.

The workers are getting hurt as badly as everyone else is, probably worse in many cases. They will never come close to recovering lost wages now, from whatever deal is eventually struck. I don't see any clear winners coming ouf of this, maybe the union bosses who can feel like they are the second coming of Lenin.

Looks like it's going to be a lean Christmas in a LOT of Canadian households this year. I suspect this strike will be the undoing of CUPW and CP. There are going to be a lot of people who are seriously p-od after this and will not forget or let it go.