Teachers in British Columbia, members of the B.C. Teacher's Federation (BCTF), have stood up to the anti-union, anti-people tactics of the Gordon Campbell Government.

The Labour Movement knows that the teachers' fight is everyone's fight. So when the B.C. Federation of Labour asked unions in the Victoria area to take action to protest Bill-12, CUPW was ready.

Thanks to the magnificent work of the Victoria Local, Canada Post got the message loud and clear that postal workers are standing up for free collective bargaining. Postal workers in Victoria were proud, strong and determined. This included letter carriers, clerks, Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers (RSMC), dispatchers and mail service couriers.

But Gordon Campbell and his government still would not back down. So the B.C. Federation of Labour called for a Day of Protest in the Kootenays for Wednesday.

Once again CUPW members stood up for fairness, justice, and a decent education for all. Postal workers in Castlegar, Nelson, and Trail were off the job as were thousands of other workers.

In Fernie and Sparwod, members of the Elk Valley Local stood shoulder to shoulder with teachers. So did postal workers in Cranbook. In Golden, CUPW members said no to Bill 12 and yes to fairness.

In all locations clerks, carriers, and RSMC members showed their solidarity in many different ways.

Canada Post 's reaction to these protests was harsher that than the vast majority of employer's across B.C.

Canada Post is doling out suspensions of up to five days. In most other workplaces letters were placed on workers' files.

Canada Post went to the Canada Industrial Relations Board and got a cease and desist order against CUPW. Most other businesses did not go this route.

CUPW members all across Canada & Quebec owe these members, our brothers and sisters, our thanks. By standing up for free collective bargaining these members have sent a strong message to Canada Post that will serve us well in our upcoming round of negotiations.

The Struggle Continues,


Pat Bertrand
National Director - Pacific Region