After almost five weeks of a nationwide strike, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), under the direction of the Minister of Labour, has stripped the right to strike from postal workers. Legal strike action ends at 8:00 a.m. local time on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, but the fight goes on.
We are asking our members to return to their regularly scheduled shifts as of 8:00 a.m. local time on December 17, 2024, and await further instructions.
You will find below an excerpt of the CIRB decision ordering our members not to prevent the preparation of the workplace.
”2. Employees in the CUPW UPO and CUPW RSMC bargaining units represented by CUPW are directed not to prevent the preparations of the employer for the resumption of its operations;”
We understand that members want to hold the line until the last minute to show our disgust with what is currently happening. Contravening this order may push the employer to go back to the CIRB for enforcement of their decision. In our opinion, we have the right to question the Employer to ensure that the Employer’s access to the facilities is justified and is required to prepare for the resumption of the operations. Our obligation would be limited to allowing them access for that purpose only.
All options remain under consideration to achieve negotiated collective agreements that prioritize fair wages, improved health and safety, the ability to retire with dignity, and the democratic right to free collective bargaining
In solidarity,
Jan Simpson
National President
On behalf of the National Executive Board