Perspective: The future of postal service and postal work

As never before postal workers are facing major challenges with respect to our work and our employer. The federal government has established a “Strategic Review” of postal services which will examine everything from postage rates, service performance standards, the level of services provided by Canada Post and even the “exclusive privilege” for lettermail which enables CPC to obtain the revenue necessary to pay our wages and provide service to the public. At the same time Canada Post management is barging ahead with the introduction of close to $2 billion of new equipment which will destroy jobs and change the nature of our work, especially for letter carriers and RSMCs.

Two major initiatives at the same time. One launched by a Conservative government that hates public services and the other by a post office management that defines its success by the size of its profits and the number jobs they can cut. Are they related? Absolutely according to CPC President Moya Greene. Ms. Greene has been clear from the outset that the introduction of mechanized sequencing of mail is necessary to reduce costs so that CPC can survive competing against private sector competitors in a deregulated environment.

CPC management may be prepared to accept deregulation as inevitable but CUPW is certainly not. Likewise we are not prepared to allow CPC management to eliminate thousands of jobs through the introduction of new equipment. Currently the union is working with the labour movement and our allies in communities across the country to fight against any attempt to deregulate Canada Post. The National office, together with the Prairie Region and Winnipeg local have been consulting with CPC to ensure that the new equipment and work processes will be safe, healthy and environmentally positive.

To be successful the union needs the active support of an informed and determined membership. This special issue of Perspective is part of the process of keeping you informed. You can also read the bulletins and visit the unions website at www.cupw.ca for up to date information on the modern post and the Strategic review. Keep informed. Participate in the union's campaigns. Together we will make the difference.