On March 3rd and 4th, the Canadian Union
of Postal Workers (CUPW) continued
with its constitutional challenge before the
Canada Industrial Relations Board
(CIRB).
We are challenging the constitutionality
of the action taken by Steven MacKinnon,
the Minister of Labour, against our union
in December 2024. He used his powers
under section 107 of the Canada Labour
Code – through an order to the CIRB – to
bring an end to our lawful, nationwide
strike.
Violation of our Rights
In recent past, we have seen the
government resort to section 107 of the
Canada Labour Code to end or suspend
lawful strikes for many bargaining units.
This new iteration of the attacks on our
constitutionally protected rights does not
allow an opportunity for public debate
where the public, unions or political
parties can voice their perspective on the
issue. We believe that this constitutes an
attempt from CPC and the government,
who is the sole shareholder of the Crown
Corporation, to undermine the role of
unions and workers in free collective
bargaining. Unions across the country are
fighting back against this unfair attack.
Threat to our Collective
Bargaining Rights
We believe that constant and repeated
interventions from the government in
collective bargaining disrupts the sensitive
balance of power in the Code and allows
employers to stall negotiations awaiting
government intervention.
We will continue to update members as
we receive new information and
encourage you to sign up for eDigest to
receive the latest Union news and updates
directly in your email inbox. Sign up
here:
https://www.cupw.ca/en/cupw-edigest
In Solidarity,
Carl Girouard
National Grievance Officer
2023 – 2027 Bulletin #222
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