As we enter the New Year, I’m grateful for the privilege of being the President of the Toronto Local. Together, we’ve made significant strides in advocating for our rights, and I believe our collective efforts will lead to positive changes, including a favourable collective agreement.
The first five months of 2025 are set to be pivotal for our cause. Public hearings for Commissioner William Kaplan’s Industrial Inquiry Commission will commence on January 27 and 28 in Ottawa, and these crucial proceedings will be livestreamed for broader access. Mr. Kaplan’s final report is due on May 15.Also, on May 15th, the Union will appear before the Canada Industrial Relations Board, presenting our legal challenge against Minister of Labour Steven MacKinnon’s section 107 order, which forced us back to work without new collective agreements. The significance of Mr. Kaplan’s hearings and our challenge to section 107 cannot be overstated. The future of our public post office and our Charter-protected rights to free and fair collective bargaining are at stake. Our National Executive Board is poised to launch an all-out effort, with the unwavering support of our entire membership and allies in this challenge.
Furthermore, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to all Members and Executives of the Toronto Local who stood proud during our nationwide strike, and we all remain proud. We were given no choice when the corporation changed our terms of employment and gave us a global offer, which was an insult. The Vice Presidents and other management staff gave themselves bonuses but then cried poor with all their losses when it came down to giving us wage increases that would at least have kept us with inflation and the cost of living. When Canada Post attempted to gig Group 2 workers with a new type of part-time staff, it attacked all Letter Carriers and safe working conditions for all our members. Canada Post is trying not to have us retire with dignity. Their attack was an attack on current and future workers of Canada Post.
I am particularly proud that during the strike, we stood firm in keeping management in the Toronto Local area out of every facility, even when I was instructed to do otherwise. Our unity and determination have driven our success and captured media attention, showcasing the strength of the Toronto Local. As President of the Toronto local, I was interviewed live for both CTV and CBC National News network about five times; I was able to represent our local on CTV/CP 24, CBC, CityNews,CFTO, Global, Omni Italian News, Talk 1010, on a South Asian Radio Station 91.9 FM and other media outlets, many times live. I saw footage of our Toronto pickup lines on the Chicago News on CBS. On Friday, Nov 15th, the first day of our strike, our Toronto Local radio ads on 680 am news aired for 30 seconds for 14 days, 84 times.
On December 11th, Toronto local joined a spontaneous rally in Ottawa in front of Canada Post's corporate office and on Parliament Hill. With the help of the Ontario Federation of Labour, we were able to send three coach buses and approximately four minivans full of our members to participate there. In Ottawa, I was the only local president who had been asked to speak at the rally. Rallies at SCLPP and Gateway with the help of the Toronto and York Region Labour Council. Our most significant rally was the day before we were forced to return to work. The rally occurred in front of the former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland’s office; it was the day she resigned from the cabinet. This was a great success, with thousands in attendance, including our members, labour allies, and community groups. We received media coverage from all the major networks. We voiced our disgust with the Liberal government's decision to mandate us back to work.
Let's continue to support each other and work toward our shared goals. Each member of the Toronto Local matters and I am excited about what we can achieve together in the coming year. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for all of you.
In Solidarity
Mark Lubinski
President
Toronto Local CUPW
Sisters and Brothers,
On May 20,2025 @ NOON, Toronto Local is scheduling the regular membership monthly meeting in person.
DISCLAIMER FOR THE MEETING:
It is important that we continue to respect the privacy of every member including but not limited all the activists, Shop Stewards and Union officers. By participating the meeting, you agree the following,
- You must not record, share or post the meeting documents or any photos from this meeting without prior permission from Toronto Local
Local assigned for this duty) will be the only authorized person to take the GMM minutes for the Local records and usage. The General Membership Meeting will be facilitate under the Toronto Local By-Laws and the National Constitution. All participants must treat each other with respect during the meeting
Attention: ESS and Shop Stewards
Please share and Post all the Union Literatures and notices when you receive on the Union boards as per the By-Laws.
In Solidarity,
Abdi Hagi Yusuf
Secretary-Treasurer
CUPW, Toronto Local
April 17,2025
Wishing everyone a warm and joyful Easter holiday!
I hope the holidays bring you moments of rest and meaningful time with your loved ones.
In Solidarity,
Mark Lubinski
President
Toronto Local CUPW
Dear Postal Workers,
On April 28th, we observe the National Day of Mourning to honour those who have lost their lives or suffered in the workplace. This day also serves as a call to action for stricter safety standards. Let’s stand in solidarity with our fellow Postal Workers, advocating for the vital changes our workplaces need and resisting intimidation from management.
