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"That the Prime Minister, instead of allowing you the chance to resolve these issues at the bargaining table, has chosen to support the employer by legislating your members back to work is outrageous. This attack on workers’ rights is something that all of us in the labour movement must take a stand against." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
Ottawa (06 Dec. 2018) — The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) has extended its support to the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) in its efforts to oppose the government's back-to-work legislation and to win a fair and just collective agreement.
Larry Brown, President of the 390,000-member union, wrote in his letter of support to Mike Palecek, National President of CUPW, that "we have always been aware of the difficult working conditions your members face. But as your dispute proceeded, we learned even more about the extent of the health and safety abuses, pay inequality and the workplace violations that take place at Canada Post. The extent of these violations of your members' right has deeply angered us."
Brown's letter continued, "That the Prime Minister, instead of allowing you the chance to resolve these issues at the bargaining table, has chosen to support the employer by legislating your members back to work is outrageous. This attack on workers’ rights is something that all of us in the labour movement must take a stand against."
Labour movement shows support for CUPW members
As Brown points out in his letter, "I suspect that the federal government will quickly come to regret their actions. CUPW has a long and honourable history of standing up for what is right. It has won many friends, allies, and admirers across Canada and internationally. I strongly believe that the trade union movement, social justice organizations, and the majority of Canadians will rally behind your union."
To demonstrate solidarity, members of the labour movement across Canada are taking part in rallies and information pickets to show opposition to the back-to-work legislation, and to inform the public of the issues CUPW is fighting for.
