Postal workers ratify two landmark collective agreements
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) membership have voted to accept both collective agreements negotiated by the union with Canada Post Corporation (CPC).
Members ratified the Urban Mail Operations agreement by a vote of 65.4%. The Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers (RSMC) ratified their agreement by a vote of 86.8%.
The four-year agreement for the 48,000 postal workers in urban operations greatly strengthens our job security by contracting-in parcels, says CUPW President Deborah Bourque. This really turns the tide on the historical flow of job losses in parcel delivery.
The agreement also ensures economic security with a wage increase of 3% per year that is protected by a cost of living allowance, and enhances the overall rights, benefits and health and safety protections for members.
The agreement for the new RSMC bargaining unit is an historic moment for the labour movement. It provides employee status to 6,000 workers with Canada Post. It also guarantees significant improvements in their wages and benefits. For over twenty years, rural and suburban workers delivered mail at poverty wages, while denied the legal right to collective bargaining under the Canada Post Corporation Act of 1981. Rural and suburban workers at Canada Post finally have justice and dignity, and recognition of their basic rights in the workplace under this new agreement.
Our members have spoken, says Bourque. Now we can finally celebrate the landmark achievements of each agreement.
