The Canadian Union of Postal Workers is sponsoring an historic International Postal Conference. This will be the very first time that a conference of this nature has been convened.

Tech-Change Info-Exchange

Canada Post is spending over 3 billion dollars on their Modern Post project.  They want to use new postal technology to change the way we currently process and deliver the mail.

One of the main purposes of the Conference is to learn from other postal unions about their experiences with new technology.  We will be discussing how this new technology affects mail processing, delivery, staffing and health and safety.

CUPW will be gathering information to assist us in consultations with Canada Post, in arbitration, and in developing strategies to counter some of the impacts of massive technological change.  We will use what we have learned in education courses, and share our findings at a number of upcoming meetings.

This will allow CUPW to know how new postal technology affects workers covered by both the RSMC and Urban Operations Collective Agreement.  It will give us new ideas on how to fight back.

Broad Spectrum of International Unions

So far, Unions representing post office workers from Australia, Korea, Norway, France, Belgium, Great Britain and the United States have accepted our invitation.

The National Rural Letter Carriers Association from the United States is coming to outline the impact mail sequencing.

CUPW Members to Attend

There will be about 120 CUPW members attending this conference.  They will be from all CUPW regions.  CUPW already has contacted these attendees.

When and Where?

The Conference will take place in Ottawa, Ontario and will run from the evening of June 17, 2009 through to June 19, 2009.

Need to know more?

CUPW knows that many members are interested in these issues.  We had to limit participation due to cost and space restrictions.  We are examining ways to ensure that all members receive information that arises out of this conference.

This conference is important to reinforce and share our vision of the public post office.  Your support and solidarity is necessary to ensure that all postal workers benefit and are not hurt by increasing automation.