• Education
    • Higher Education
    • Scholarships & Grants
    • Online Learning
    • School Reforms
    • Research & Innovation
  • Lifestyle
    • Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Fashion & Beauty
    • Home & Living
    • Relationships & Family
  • Technology & Startups
    • Software & Apps
    • Startup Success Stories
    • Startups & Innovations
    • Tech Regulations
    • Venture Capital
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Cybersecurity
    • Emerging Technologies
    • Gadgets & Devices
    • Industry Analysis
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Advertise with Us
  • Privacy & Policy
Today Headline
  • Home
  • World News
    • Us & Canada
    • Europe
    • Asia
    • Africa
    • Middle East
  • Politics
    • Elections
    • Political Parties
    • Government Policies
    • International Relations
    • Legislative News
  • Business & Finance
    • Market Trends
    • Stock Market
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Corporate News
    • Economic Policies
  • Science & Environment
    • Space Exploration
    • Climate Change
    • Wildlife & Conservation
    • Environmental Policies
    • Medical Research
  • Health
    • Public Health
    • Mental Health
    • Medical Breakthroughs
    • Fitness & Nutrition
    • Pandemic Updates
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Basketball
    • Tennis
    • Olympics
    • Motorsport
  • Entertainment
    • Movies
    • Music
    • TV & Streaming
    • Celebrity News
    • Awards & Festivals
  • Crime & Justice
    • Court Cases
    • Cybercrime
    • Policing
    • Criminal Investigations
    • Legal Reforms
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • World News
    • Us & Canada
    • Europe
    • Asia
    • Africa
    • Middle East
  • Politics
    • Elections
    • Political Parties
    • Government Policies
    • International Relations
    • Legislative News
  • Business & Finance
    • Market Trends
    • Stock Market
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Corporate News
    • Economic Policies
  • Science & Environment
    • Space Exploration
    • Climate Change
    • Wildlife & Conservation
    • Environmental Policies
    • Medical Research
  • Health
    • Public Health
    • Mental Health
    • Medical Breakthroughs
    • Fitness & Nutrition
    • Pandemic Updates
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Basketball
    • Tennis
    • Olympics
    • Motorsport
  • Entertainment
    • Movies
    • Music
    • TV & Streaming
    • Celebrity News
    • Awards & Festivals
  • Crime & Justice
    • Court Cases
    • Cybercrime
    • Policing
    • Criminal Investigations
    • Legal Reforms
No Result
View All Result
Today Headline
No Result
View All Result
Home World News Us & Canada

‘We’re not going back:’ Calgary postal workers defiant in face of impending back-to-work order

December 16, 2024
in Us & Canada
Reading Time: 13 mins read
A A
0
5
SHARES
11
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter


Breadcrumb Trail Links

  1. News
  2. Canada

Local union president vows workers won’t accept anything short of their main demands

Published Dec 14, 2024  •  Last updated 17 hours ago  •  4 minute read

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

Striking Canada Post workers rally outside a northeast Calgary Canada Post sorting facility on Saturday. Photo by Gavin Young /Postmedia Calgary

Article content

Postal workers in Calgary voiced defiance Saturday, insisting they won’t settle for a status-quo contract even as they confront a likely back-to-work order.

Article content

Article content

At a rally attended by more than 100 picketers outside the Calgary mail processing plant in the city’s northeast, a local union president vowed they won’t accept anything short of their main demands and are even ready to defy any directive ordering them back to work.

Advertisement 2

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

  • Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.
  • Unlimited online access to National Post and 15 news sites with one account.
  • National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
  • Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
  • Support local journalism.

SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ARTICLES

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

  • Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.
  • Unlimited online access to National Post and 15 news sites with one account.
  • National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
  • Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
  • Support local journalism.

REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

  • Access articles from across Canada with one account.
  • Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
  • Enjoy additional articles per month.
  • Get email updates from your favourite authors.

THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

  • Access articles from across Canada with one account
  • Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
  • Enjoy additional articles per month
  • Get email updates from your favourite authors

Don’t have an account? Create Account

or

Article content

“We’ll figure out what our members are saying and (they’ll) give us direction,” said Wycliffe Oduor, president of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers Local 710 which represents 2,500 Canada Post staffers.

“If no mail goes out, no mail goes out.”

On Friday, federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said he’s referred the dispute to the Canada Industrial Relations Board which would order nearly 55,000 to end their strike and extend the current collective agreement until May 22, 2025 — if the board determines a deal isn’t within immediate reach.

If that happens, postal workers could be back on the job as early as next week.

Regardless of what happens, Oduor said his members won’t accept what he calls “horrible conditions” that are now a reality for them.

“We must determine the content of our next contract … we weren’t out here four weeks for nothing,” he said.

“On Monday, our picket lines will be up and running and we will not kowtow to an employer who uses the government to legislate us back … we are not going back.”

Striking Canada Post workers rally outside a northeast Calgary Canada Post sorting facility on Saturday. Photo by Gavin Young /Postmedia Calgary

Postal workers walked off the job a month ago and in their latest proposal, CUPW  is seeking a 19 per cent pay hike over four years — down from 24 per cent — and a guaranteed 20-hour work week for part-time employees.

NP Posted

Get a dash of perspective along with the trending news of the day in a very readable format.

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

Thanks for signing up!

A welcome email is on its way. If you don’t see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of NP Posted will soon be in your inbox.

We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again

Article content

Advertisement 3

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

They’re also fighting against the widening use of so-called precarious, or temporary labour.

Canada Post has rejected those demands, saying the pay component would cost it $2.9 billion, while it’s pushed for greater use of part-time workers.

Some of the Calgary posties voiced frustration over the duration of the impasse which has left them with strike pay that’s a fraction of their normal wage.

“What’s the point — we’ve been four weeks on strike and they’re saying we’re going to go back (to work),” said letter-carrier Kulwinder Singh.

“We’ve lost a month’s pay and next year we won’t strike because they’ll just order us back to work.”

Striking Canada Post workers rally. Photo by Gavin Young /Postmedia Calgary

Another union member who chose to anonymous said “a lot of people will want to go” back to work after a month on the picket line.

In addressing his members, Oduor acknowledged their sacrifice but urged persistence.

“Our pain is our gain — we’ve never received a single thing on a silver platter from this employer,” he said.

An online Angus Reid poll that canvassed 3,003 people Nov. 29 to Dec. 3 found a slim plurality of respondents favoured Canada Post’s stance over that of its striking workers, by a count of 34 per cent to 29 per cent.

Advertisement 4

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

Another 23 per cent said they supported neither side and 14 per cent couldn’t say.

While the surge in e-commerce, email and rival delivery services has battered and beaten Canada Post — $748 million in losses in 2023 alone and $3 billion since 2018 — the strike is still creating chaos amid the holiday rush.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) says small firms have been losing $100 million a day due to the strike while charities say it’s hammered their fundraising efforts by disrupting mailed donor requests and donations.

CFIB President Dan Kelly on Friday welcomed the prospect of Canada Post staff being ordered back to work but said the strike has done irreparable damage both to business and the federal crown corporation.

“The cost of the strike to small business has been profound,” he said in a statement Friday.

“Nearly three-quarters of small firms report they will reduce their dependence on Canada Post going forward, making it even more challenging for the corporation to operate in the future.”

Attending Saturday’s rally was Alberta Federation of Labour President Gil McGowan, who read a letter he’s sent to federal government and Canada Post officials that emphasized the constitutional right to strike that’s been acknowledged by Labour Minister MacKinnon.

Advertisement 5

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

“So which is it — do workers have the right to strike or not?” said McGowan.

“This is sending a message to all employers that all they have to do is stall negotiations.”

Alberta Federation of Labour president Gil McGowan speaks to striking Canada Post workers during a rally outside a northeast Calgary Canada Post sorting facility on Saturday Photo by Gavin Young /Postmedia Calgary

He called for the firing of Canada Post’s board of directors.

U.S. president-elect Donald Trump has expressed a desire to privatize the U.S. Postal Service which lost $9.5 billion in the last fiscal year.

But pushing that change would likely trigger a backlash from rural, heavily Republican-voting jurisdictions that rely on the federal service.

BKaufmann@postmedia.com

X: @BillKaufmannjrn

Recommended from Editorial

Article content

Share this article in your social network



Source link

Previous Post

Damascus students celebrate after Assad’s ouster; Christians remain wary

Next Post

BP, ADNOC’s XRG agree Egypt gas JV Arcius Energy

Related Posts

Koreak Army Commemorations in Pyongyang

North Korea has deployed thousands of troops to help Russia ‘terrorize Ukraine,’ report finds

May 31, 2025
0
No rain forecast as crews battle Flin Flon wildfire

No rain forecast as crews battle Flin Flon wildfire

May 31, 2025
3
Next Post

BP, ADNOC's XRG agree Egypt gas JV Arcius Energy

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Family calls for change after B.C. nurse dies by suicide after attacks on the job

Family calls for change after B.C. nurse dies by suicide after attacks on the job

April 2, 2025
Pioneering 3D printing project shares successes

Product reduces TPH levels to non-hazardous status

November 27, 2024

Hospital Mergers Fail to Deliver Better Care or Lower Costs, Study Finds todayheadline

December 31, 2024

Police ID man who died after Corso Italia fight

December 23, 2024
Harris tells supporters 'never give up' and urges peaceful transfer of power

Harris tells supporters ‘never give up’ and urges peaceful transfer of power

0
Des Moines Man Accused Of Shooting Ex-Girlfriend's Mother

Des Moines Man Accused Of Shooting Ex-Girlfriend’s Mother

0

Trump ‘looks forward’ to White House meeting with Biden

0
Catholic voters were critical to Donald Trump’s blowout victory: ‘Harris snubbed us’

Catholic voters were critical to Donald Trump’s blowout victory: ‘Harris snubbed us’

0
Koreak Army Commemorations in Pyongyang

North Korea has deployed thousands of troops to help Russia ‘terrorize Ukraine,’ report finds

May 31, 2025
President Donald Trump issued some tough words to Putin, China during his 19th week in office

President Donald Trump issued some tough words to Putin, China during his 19th week in office

May 31, 2025
Hong Kong’s John Lee meets new liaison office chief, vows to pursue fresh growth

Hong Kong’s John Lee meets new liaison office chief, vows to pursue fresh growth

May 31, 2025
Nigeria floods death toll crosses 150 as thousands displaced

Nigeria floods death toll crosses 150 as thousands displaced

May 31, 2025

Recent News

Koreak Army Commemorations in Pyongyang

North Korea has deployed thousands of troops to help Russia ‘terrorize Ukraine,’ report finds

May 31, 2025
0
President Donald Trump issued some tough words to Putin, China during his 19th week in office

President Donald Trump issued some tough words to Putin, China during his 19th week in office

May 31, 2025
3
Hong Kong’s John Lee meets new liaison office chief, vows to pursue fresh growth

Hong Kong’s John Lee meets new liaison office chief, vows to pursue fresh growth

May 31, 2025
4
Nigeria floods death toll crosses 150 as thousands displaced

Nigeria floods death toll crosses 150 as thousands displaced

May 31, 2025
3

TodayHeadline is a dynamic news website dedicated to delivering up-to-date and comprehensive news coverage from around the globe.

Follow Us

Browse by Category

  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Basketball
  • Business & Finance
  • Climate Change
  • Crime & Justice
  • Cybersecurity
  • Economic Policies
  • Elections
  • Entertainment
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Environmental Policies
  • Europe
  • Football
  • Gadgets & Devices
  • Health
  • Medical Research
  • Mental Health
  • Middle East
  • Motorsport
  • Olympics
  • Politics
  • Public Health
  • Relationships & Family
  • Science & Environment
  • Software & Apps
  • Space Exploration
  • Sports
  • Stock Market
  • Technology & Startups
  • Tennis
  • Travel
  • Uncategorized
  • Us & Canada
  • Wildlife & Conservation
  • World News

Recent News

Koreak Army Commemorations in Pyongyang

North Korea has deployed thousands of troops to help Russia ‘terrorize Ukraine,’ report finds

May 31, 2025
President Donald Trump issued some tough words to Putin, China during his 19th week in office

President Donald Trump issued some tough words to Putin, China during his 19th week in office

May 31, 2025
  • Education
  • Lifestyle
  • Technology & Startups
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Advertise with Us
  • Privacy & Policy

© 2024 Todayheadline.co

Welcome Back!

OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Business & Finance
  • Corporate News
  • Economic Policies
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Market Trends
  • Crime & Justice
  • Court Cases
  • Criminal Investigations
  • Cybercrime
  • Legal Reforms
  • Policing
  • Education
  • Higher Education
  • Online Learning
  • Entertainment
  • Awards & Festivals
  • Celebrity News
  • Movies
  • Music
  • Health
  • Fitness & Nutrition
  • Medical Breakthroughs
  • Mental Health
  • Pandemic Updates
  • Lifestyle
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Food & Drink
  • Home & Living
  • Politics
  • Elections
  • Government Policies
  • International Relations
  • Legislative News
  • Political Parties
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Middle East
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cybersecurity
  • Emerging Technologies
  • Gadgets & Devices
  • Industry Analysis
  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Motorsport
  • Olympics
  • Climate Change
  • Environmental Policies
  • Medical Research
  • Science & Environment
  • Space Exploration
  • Wildlife & Conservation
  • Sports
  • Tennis
  • Technology & Startups
  • Software & Apps
  • Startup Success Stories
  • Startups & Innovations
  • Tech Regulations
  • Venture Capital
  • Uncategorized
  • World News
  • Us & Canada
  • Public Health
  • Relationships & Family
  • Travel
  • Research & Innovation
  • Scholarships & Grants
  • School Reforms
  • Stock Market
  • TV & Streaming
  • Advertise with Us
  • Privacy & Policy
  • About us
  • Contact

© 2024 Todayheadline.co