Union of Postal Communications Employees Works to Preserve USPS

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The Union of Postal Communications Employees is working hard to preserve the United States Postal Service (USPS) for the benefit of its employees and the community.

As a union, they represent over 200,000 postal workers, advocating for their rights and interests.

One of their key goals is to ensure the USPS remains a vital public service, providing essential services to rural and urban communities alike.

The union's efforts are crucial in maintaining the USPS's independence and autonomy, allowing it to operate without undue influence from private interests.

Union Overview

The Union of Postal Communications Employees (UPCE) is a union that represents postal workers in Canada. Founded in 1966, it has a long history of advocating for its members' rights.

With approximately 2,720 members in 2012, the UPCE is a significant force in the Canadian postal industry. Its members work for Canada Post and Purolator Courier Ltd.

The UPCE is affiliated with the Public Service Alliance of Canada and has a strong presence in the country. Its president, Yvan Bélanger, has been a key figure in the union's efforts to improve working conditions and benefits for its members.

Here's a breakdown of the UPCE's membership:

Leadership and Statements

Employees having a Board Meeting
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The Union of Postal Communications Employees has a strong leadership structure.

The union's leadership is elected by its members, with the President serving as the highest authority.

The union's President has a significant role in shaping the organization's policies and decisions.

The union's leadership is committed to advocating for the rights and interests of its members.

Organizing RSMC

In 2003, CUPW successfully organized approximately 6,000 Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers (RSMC) into the Union.

This marked a significant milestone in the Union's history, as RSMCs were previously contractors rather than employees of Canada Post.

The collective agreement reached in 2003 was separate from the CUPW collective bargaining agreement and had major differences.

One key difference was the payment system, where RSMCs were paid in a contract-style system rather than hourly.

RSMCs were also expected to find their own replacements during absences, a requirement not typically found in other employee roles.

Additionally, RSMCs may hire assistants who are not employed by Canada Post, giving them more flexibility in their work arrangements.

The contract reached in 2003 also included the elimination of severance pay for Urban Postal Unit members, who ratified the agreement by a vote of 65.4 per cent.

Statement by APWU President Mark Dimondstein

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APWU President Mark Dimondstein has made public statements regarding the resignation of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy.

He released a statement about DeJoy's resignation, which can be read in full by clicking on a link.

President Dimondstein has also spoken out against attacks on the Public Postal Service.

The Trump Administration reportedly planned to issue an Executive Order firing the Postal Board of Governors and placing the USPS under the Commerce Department's control.

Challenges and Threats

The Union of Postal Communications Employees is facing significant challenges, including an illegal attack on the USPS that's in the works. APWU President Mark Dimondstein spoke out against this scheme, highlighting the dangers it poses.

The stakes are high for every postal worker and every American who relies on an independent USPS.

USPS Threats

The USPS is facing a significant threat. APWU President Mark Dimondstein has spoken out against the attack on the USPS, calling it an illegal scheme.

Delivery worker checks packages in a van on a city street, ensuring orders are ready for shipping.
Credit: pexels.com, Delivery worker checks packages in a van on a city street, ensuring orders are ready for shipping.

The stakes are high for every postal worker and American who relies on an independent USPS. President Dimondstein made it clear what's at stake, emphasizing the dangers of this plan.

The APWU President went live on MSNBC to raise awareness about the threat to the USPS. He used this platform to share his concerns with a wider audience.

The USPS is a vital institution that serves as a lifeline for many Americans. The threat to its independence is a serious issue that requires attention.

Outside Causes

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) is not just focused on internal union issues, but also actively engages in various outside causes.

The CUPW has a long history of supporting social and political causes, including child care, Cuba, and women's equality.

One notable example is their stance on the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel, which they support until Israel respects international law and the rights of the Palestinian people.

The CUPW has also been vocal on issues like marijuana decriminalization, anti-racism, and anti-global capitalism.

Here are some of the specific causes the CUPW has supported over the years:

  • Child care
  • Cuba
  • Women's equality
  • Marijuana decriminalization
  • Anti-racism
  • Anti-global capitalism

Events and Actions

A male delivery worker in a red uniform holding a package outdoors in Portugal.
Credit: pexels.com, A male delivery worker in a red uniform holding a package outdoors in Portugal.

The Union of Postal Communications Employees has a long history of advocating for postal workers' rights. Founded in 1937, the union has been a key player in shaping the postal industry.

The union's efforts have led to significant improvements in working conditions and benefits for postal employees. For example, the union negotiated a 40-hour workweek in the 1950s, which greatly improved work-life balance for postal workers.

The union continues to be involved in various events and actions, including lobbying for postal reform and supporting community outreach programs.

2011 Rotating Strikes

In 2011, CUPW began labour actions against Canada Post with a series of rotating strikes.

The labour actions started on June 3, 2011, and were an attempt to negotiate better working conditions.

A lockout was announced by Canada Post on June 14, 2011, at 11:59 p.m. EST, in response to the strikes.

The lockout was a significant escalation of the conflict between the two parties.

The lockout ended on June 27, 2011, after Parliament passed a law rendering any further work stoppage illegal.

2018 Rotating Strikes

Postal Service Signage on Painted Wall
Credit: pexels.com, Postal Service Signage on Painted Wall

The 2018 rotating strikes were a significant event in the history of Canada Post. Failing to reach a new agreement, the union initiated a series of rotating strikes across the country on October 22, 2018.

The Liberal government then passed Bill C-89, which mandated postal workers to return to work. This move was a response to the strikes.

CUPW workers then worked without a contract for the next two years. The CUPW and Canada Post finally reached collective agreements in September 2021.

However, these agreements expired in January 2022, and were renewed for a year. The RSMC collective agreements expired on December 31, 2023, and the Urban agreement expired on January 31, 2024, after bargaining started on November 25, 2023.

Kristin Waelchi

Senior Writer

Kristin Waelchi is a skilled writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in research and analysis, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, delving deep into complex topics and shedding light on the intricacies of the world around us. Kristin's expertise lies in crafting engaging articles that inform and educate readers on a wide range of subjects, including industrial facilities.

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