PSAC / UPCE strike at Canada Post: Day 4
Published November 20th, 2008
psacbc.com
[Public Service Alliance of Canada = PSAC, Union of Postal Communications Employees = UPCE, Canadian Union of Postal Workers = CUPW]
Early this morning in Vancouver, after a very successful evening setting up a surprise picket line at the Richmond plant – the plant director had to come from home to manage the situation – UPCE members continued to picket outside the main depot. Despite the rain turnout was excellent, including one member who is eight months pregnant. Local President Sharon Tieman was interviewed by CKNW radio and Vice-President Neil Brown also spoke to the media. Once again CUPW members took their coffee break en masse and walked around the block in Solidarity and once again UPCE members cheered them on. In the early afternoon, BC Supreme Court issued an injunction barring members from impeding vehicles or workers at specific locations in the Lower Mainland. Members were disappointed with this decision, but vowed to continue to pressure Canada Post. The caucus met this afternoon to strategize, and we shall see what tomorrow brings.
In Victoria it rained as well but picketers were warmed by overwhelming support from CUPW members. Trucks, cars and cabs experienced hour-long delays leaving the processing plant.
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Strike Bulletin – Day two
November 19, 2008
PSAC-UPCE
VICTORIA – Really strong lines again today received excellent support from the CUPW Executive who were on the line. A unionized trades worker refused to cross the line to fix some issues inside the facility told us he would return when the strike was over. Support from UVAE [Union of Veterans’ Affairs Employees] member as well.
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Who is UPCE and why are they striking?
UPCE members work in Canada Post call centers, they check mail volumes, are clerical workers and pay clerks.
They are striking because Canada Post is trying to cut back their sick leave and replace it with a “Short Term Disability” (STD) plan. Manulife would oversee the administration and approval of this plan, subject to Employment Insurance regulations.
Canada Post wants to reduce UPCE member’s fifteen days paid sick leave entitlement and five days paid family related leave to a combined entitlement of seven non-cumulative days per year.
Almost 90% of UPCE members have said no to this rollback by authorizing a strike if necessary. But, Canada Post isn’t listening.
cupw.ca
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PSAC-UPCE Strike Bulletins:
http://www.psac.com/bargaining/units/other_clc/post/bulletins-e.shtml
Confrontation 
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