LOCAL EDUCATIONAL

STRIKE PREPARATION

 

Sisters and Brothers:

On February 5 & 6, 2011 the Local facilitated a strike preparation course which was attended by over 50 activists which included shop stewards and the rank and file.

The course was facilitated by Sisters Megan Whitfield and Stacey Mills.  The educational gives us the tools on  how to run a successful picket line.  This is in preparation for a strike if it is necessary, we have to be prepared.

It has been 14 years since our last strike, and oddly enough the National Negotiators are sitting with the Corporation and the exact same conciliator Jacques Lessard from 1997.  Some things never change.

The course objectives are:

·         To provide a general understanding of the strike process

·         Build support for the negotiating committee

·         Develop communication strategies for  mobilizing the members, and their involvement

·         Develop strategies to involve community and allies

·         Prepare for the administration and execution of local strike activity

We are getting ready to fight the boss and keep our hard won wages and benefits in tact during this current round of negotiations.  The boss is aware that we are getting ready,  the members across the country are getting ready,  is it possible that they will hear our message and negotiate now?  Canada Post has always sent a message to our members "'We need a settlement, not a strike"'.  So now send the message back to them from their November 14, 1997 bulletin to the members, start negotiating!!

The next meeting with the conciliator is the week of February 7th, we will keep you informed as the meetings occur.

In Solidarity

Jane Marsh                                        Stacey Mills                               Megan Whitfield

Local President                                 3rd Vice President                   Chief SS South Plant

February 6, 2011