Halifax Media Co-op
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May Day – Sky-High Strike Vote Puts the Pressure on Postal Negotiations
Postal workers in New Glasgow demonstrate as part of National Day of Action, June 11, 2010
Postal workers demonstrate in Antigonish against the privatization of the Philatelic Centre on May 29, 2010. Seventy workers will arbitrarily lose their jobs.
Join the postal and other public sector workers on Sunday, May Day, beginning 2 p.m. at Victoria Park in Halifax, to put forward our demands on whatever party or combination of parties forms the next minority government.
Say NO! to government that attacks public sector workers and the quality of public service. Say YES! to government that defends Canadian workers and pensions! Defend the Rights of All!
CUPW, April 18, 2011
MEMBERS of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) have voted 94.5 per cent in favour of striking if necessary to obtain a collective agreement that addresses real problems and meets their needs.
“We hope the sky-high strike vote and the record turnout of our members will put pressure on Canada Post to negotiate,” said CUPW National President Denis Lemelin.
“Canada Post has been very focused on its demands, not ours. The corporation wants to pay new employees 30 percent less. It wants to reduce their benefits, weaken their job security and provide an inferior pension. It also wants to attack retiree benefits, sick leave and turn back the clock on many other contract provisions.”
The results of the strike vote show that postal workers will not accept these rollbacks. According to Lemelin, the post office is about to announce its 16th consecutive year of profits. The corporation also plans to make huge productivity gains through modernization. Postal workers are saying they deserve a share of the benefits.
“A 94.5 % strike vote sends a clear message to Canada Post,” said Lemelin. “CUPW members want a collective agreement that recognizes our work is behind the increases in profits and productivity. They want management to share, instead of attacking our wages, rights and working conditions.”
Meanwhile negotiations continue, with the aid of a government-appointed conciliator. If an agreement is not reached, CUPW gains the right to strike on May 24 at midnight.
Bring your banners and slogans!
April 28 -- Day of Mourning for Workers Injured or Killed on the Job
Topics: Labour
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