Monday December 20 2021
2021 has been a challenging year. In January 2021, we were awaiting COVID-19 vaccines and in December 2021, we are seeing the emergence of the Omicron variant. We have all faced stress, worry and pressure due to this pandemic.
CUPW’s way of working has dramatically changed, but CUPW staff, Union Representatives, and Officers did not let this affect our dedication and commitment to the membership. CUPW leaders and activists at all levels worked hard to protect the health and safety of our members. We consulted regularly with Canada Post to ensure the safest possible work environments for all postal workers. We also consulted with private sector bargaining unit management to make sure those workers had personal protective equipment (PPE) and a safe workplace.
CUPW continued to advocate for the rights of gig workers. We fought to end the misclassification of gig workers because they deserve to be treated fairly and have access to rights and benefits like all workers should. We know from our experiences that an injustice or injury to one is an injury to all.
CUPW continues to work to protect our Defined Benefit Pensions so we can all retire with dignity. We also continued our long tradition of International Solidarity. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that we can’t just fight the virus in one country, and the absolute importance of working with postal workers around the globe.
2021 was also marked by an uprising of voices and organizations like Black Lives Matter, who rallied against police brutality and systematic racism. The world also watched as we continued to discover the unmarked graves of children near former residential schools. And, we heard too many disturbing reports about the increase of anti-Asian racism. All of this has made me, and our Union, more committed to building an anti-racist, reconciliation-based workplace, union, and world
We also continued to witness the devastating effects of climate change. We saw unprecedented floods, forest fires, wind storms, tornados, heat domes etc., which had a direct impact on many of our members and their families. It meant that members who work outside faced additional sources of threat and danger. In order to protect everyone, we need to continue our work to save the planet and everyone and everything that lives on it.
We spent a lot of time and effort trying to protect high risk workers and consulting with Canada Post about the vaccine mandate. We were pleased when the employer initially offered mandatory twice weekly rapid testing as an alternative to COVID 19 vaccinations. When CPC changed their minds and withdrew the rapid testing offer, we were frustrated. We channelled this disappointment into an application for a cease-and-desist order. While we weren’t successful, we are continuing with our national grievance through arbitration and hope that rapid testing is reinstated.
We reached tentative agreements for both the Urban Operations and RSMC bargaining units and took these offers to the membership to be ratified. After a great deal of spirited and democratic debate, the renewals to both the Urban and RSMC collective agreements were ratified.
CUPW members across the country need to use this time to organize. We need to build strong, inclusive work floors, committed to justice, fairness, and equality.
2021 has been hard on us all. It has reinforced my belief that if we are going to move forward we need to have kindness at the core of our actions. I keep getting reminded about the power of kindness. It is the key to building a better world for us all.
In the late 1970s, CUPW adopted the slogan The Struggle Continues, and as we move into 2022, we must keep this in mind. We are going to have to work hard to keep and expand rights – not only for ourselves but for all workers.
In solidarity,
Jan
