Round 1: Canada Post Workers Fight Forced Overtime

Edmonton based Canada Post workers have suffered needless forced overtime every year in recent memory. On Monday, Jan 31, 2011, the workers of Depot 3 finally lost their patience and demanded concrete staffing relief commitments from upper management by the end of the week. That Friday, Feb 4, upper management came to Depot 3 and a speech was read by a letter carrier on behalf of the workers reiterating our demands for responsible staffing. Management's response? More of the same excuses and no commitment to meaningfully address the staffing crisis. This clip includes a transcript of the workers' Feb 4 speech as well as Depot 3's response to the unacceptable answer given by upper management.

An emergency mass meeting of postal workers is now being called by 104 workers from Depots 3, 9 and Whitemud for Sunday, Feb 27 asking all Edmonton postal workers to come out and discuss the persisting staffing crisis and how we can all fight it together. More details to follow either by bulletin, Facebook or email around Feb 21st. SPREAD THE WORD.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• inspirational
• politics
• union
• workers' democracy
• grassroots
• demands
• empowerment
• Canada Post
• letter carriers
• public service
• Edmonton
• postal service
• democracy
• activism
• fighting back
• forced overtime

[bchymycz1]

I watched this after my husband (who is a letter carrier) told me about it. I promptly wrote an email (with a link to your vid) to 23 friends and sent the same email to 29 Facebook friends. I encouraged my friends to forward my email to everyone they know. I have friends in The Netherlands, Hawaii, USA, across Canada. If they send my email to 20-30 people that's a ton of publicity. I see the problems my husband has with his back and knees because of working conditions. You have my support...

[MrWiderschein]

@bchymycz1

Thank you so much! You need to check out Round 2 if you haven't already!

It won't let me put the link in so just search for "Round 2 Postal Workers" or check "My Videos" to find it!

[nastynan66]

Just saw the last line in your video. Please remember that 'we' are the union. We must come together on our work floors in order to be heard. Our union leadership can only do so much, the greatest impact comes from those of us on the work floor banding together and standing strong. Solidarity!

[MrWiderschein]

@nastynan66

You are absolutely right, we, the workers, are the union. We can not rely on anyone to change our circumstances for us, change can only come from the workfloor standing together. If the the union leadership (elected officers, executive) supports the workfloor our efforts become that much more powerful. Solidarity.

[misspebzy]

Good on ya Depot 3 ! Calgary South Deerfoot is backing you 100 %!!

[ashjacknewguy]

CPC wants to make this the norm. Profit through cutbacks. Just as they are trying to force STDP on us. I believe they are running us "1st tier" workers into the ground to make way for tier 2. A sister in our station walked out on Friday. Carriers are turning on each other , squabbling over tie-outs and flyer counts. Makes me sick. We have to stick together. I am documenting events in my depot since this insanity began hoping it will be useful in court someday. Reclaiming the $2b on our backs!

[kam75]

YES!!! use 33 to its full extent!!!

[kam75]

great! FULL SPEED AHEAD...DAMN THE TORPEDOES...

[DOWNTOWNWPG]

WICKED!!!WINNIPEG SENDS  LOVE AND SUPPORT...WE STAND TOGETHER IN THIS FIGHT , AND BECAUSE OF OUR COLLECTIVE STRENGTH WE WILL WIN THIS BATTLE!!!!!!!LETS SHOW THE boss WHOS BOSS!!!

[DOWNTOWNWPG]

WAY TO GO EDMONTON!!!!!!!!!!!!WINNIPEG STANDS WITH YOU AND THIS MEETING SHOULD TAKE PLACE AT EVERY DEPOT ACROSS THE COUNTRY!!WINNIPEG IS PROUD TO CALL YOU BROTHERS AND SISTERS!!!JUST AWESOME.....WE ALL NEED TO MAKE A STAND ...THANK YOU .....YOU ARE STRONG!!