Postal Workers everywhere are fighting for fairness

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers is working towards justice and fairness around the world.  Here are a few examples:

Trinidad and Tobago:  In April 2010, CUPW assisted in the funding of a seminar for Trinidad and Tobago postal workers.  Three CUPW members participated in the seminar.  Issues covered included collective bargaining, the role of shop stewards, and the grievance procedure.

In 1999 the Trinidad and Tobago postal service was changed from being a department of the Government to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Government.  This has had a major effect on the workers.  Those who were hired before 1999 have a pension plan, and some rights.  Those who were hired after 1999 do not have a pension plan and have fewer rights.

Cuba:  CUPW sent a delegation of young postal workers to celebrate May Day 2010 in Cuba.  One of the major goals of this delegation is to meet with the youth members of the Cuban Postal Workers Union to strategize how we can involve more young workers in both of our Unions.

Colombia:  The Post Office in Colombia is privatized and most of the people who worked there have lost their jobs.  This has not deterred members of the postal workers union from trying to organize DHL and other postal industry workers.  CUPW is funding a project with the postal workers union of Colombia.

South Africa:  Postal Workers in South Africa are working to educate themselves about collective bargaining, the use of temporary workers and other issues.  They are trying to stop an attempt by South Africa Post to reduce the weight of parcels covered by the postal monopoly.  CUPW has a five year project with our Sisters and Brothers in South Africa.

Portugal:  Postal workers in Portugal are striking to protest the movement of their work to companies that pay lower wages and benefits.  They are opposing a wage freeze and are arguing that they should benefit from automation.  CUPW has sent them a solidarity letter.

France:  All four postal unions in France will be striking to oppose the privatization of La Poste.  They are demanding an end to actions of the French Government to restructure the post office in ways that mean less jobs and an increased work load.  We have sent them a message of solidarity.

The United States:  In the United States, postal unions are fighting against proposals to change mail delivery from six days to five days.  They are meeting with municipal councils, are lobbying their federal politicians, are writing letters, and are organizing demonstrations.

Across the world, postal workers are facing many similar issues.  And, across the world, postal workers are fighting for justice and fairness.