Toronto couriers choose CUPW In Toronto, three new bargaining units of couriers have been added to our ranks through successful applications to the Canadian Industrial Relations Board. Our new brothers and sisters deserve a warm welcome from postal workers everywhere.

Where are our new members?

The new courier members work at Turtle Express, TurnAround and Quick Messenger Service (QMS). Turtle was the first to be certified, on March 22nd, 2010, followed by Turnaround, exactly one month later, on April 22nd. At QMS, the application filed on April 23rd was successful for bicycle couriers and couriers either walking or using the transit system.

CUPW organizing campaigns are underway at other courier companies and the Union is hopeful that the new units will achieve some solid gains through collective bargaining. This in turn will inspire other couriers to come forward and join us.

Why are couriers joining our union?

In addition to basic collective agreement principles, such as the recognition of seniority and establishing a grievance procedure, couriers have some specific issues that a union can address. For example, couriers currently have to pay fees for gear such as radios that they need to work. Their points of call are often allocated in a less than fair manner and they have no say in or knowledge of the rates that the company charges its customers. In other courier companies that we have organized, such as in Winnipeg and Saskatoon, unionized couriers have been able to get a better deal at
the negotiating table: for example, setting up joint committees to study rates and commissions and, in Montreal, couriers get winter bonuses for delivery in harsh weather conditions.

When are they negotiating?

Negotiating teams of couriers have been established for all three workplaces. Negotiations are scheduled to take place for QMS on October 18th-20th and on the 22nd. Although the employers at both Turnaround and Turtle were served with notice to bargain in July, they have been reluctant to come to the table. It is therefore likely that the Union will file for conciliation in order to get these negotiations started.

Our Solidarity Matters

It is important for our “traditional members” to support CUPW’s organizing campaigns and strong collective agreements for our private postal sector sisters and brothers. By showing our solidarity, we let couriers everywhere know that we support their struggle to make courier workplaces better places.

As a Union, we believe that everybody who handles the mail deserves fairness, respect and better working conditions.