I’m thrilled to share some fantastic news! Our former Grievance Officer, a dedicated advocate for our members of the Toronto Local for many years, has been honored as a trailblazing woman by our National Union. Below, you’ll find the inspiring article from CUPW National celebrating Sister Joanne Leader’s remarkable achievements. Let’s give her the recognition she truly deserves! “Joanne Leader began working for the post office in 1974.
In 1975, she walked her first picket line and has walked every one since then. Joanne became a shop steward in 1976, proudly fighting management on the work floor. In 1981, she participated in the strike that won maternity rights. Thanks to the hard work of our Union and Sisters like Joanne Leader, maternity leave became law. In the violent 1987 strike, a then pregnant Sister Leader, stood toe to toe against police on the front lines. In 1988, she became recording secretary in the Toronto Local, and she held this position with dignity and pride.
In 1990, Joanne Leader was elected as the second vice- president of the Toronto Local, a role she would hold until 2019. It was in this position that she truly distinguished herself as someone special. Very quickly into her new role, she battled the local executive in hopes of forming a local women’s committee. Sister Leader succeeded and the first ever Toronto Local Women’s committee was formed. Delegates to the 1990 national convention voted overwhelmingly to create a National Women’s committee which Sister Leader was elected to. By the 1993 convention, delegates voted to make local women’s committee’s mandatory and approved article 7.59 of the National Constitution, which provided for funding for Sisters to participate in Union educational and other events.
Joanne has always been generous with her time and knowledge, she readily mentors’ members, shop stewards, and elected officers who are eager to learn more about the Union and collective agreement. To this day, members know that Sister Leader is only a phone call away.
Joanne had a vision for the grievance department to streamline the process and be able to readily access crucial information. Joanne spearheaded a database that allowed for grievance searches based on dates, contract changes and even shop stewards. This forward thinking forever changed the grievance department and was commonly requested by locals around the country.
In 2019, Joanne Leader was elected to the Toronto Regional office as the regional grievance officer. She was re-elected once again to the position in 2023. Sister Leader continues to defend the membership, fight against injustice, and exemplify the actions of a true activist.
Sister Leader is the longest serving elected officer in CUPW history, and it’s easy to see why. We thank her for her steadfast commitment, her courage, and her dedication to this Union and all our members. Sister Leader is the true definition of a trailblazer and we are so proud that she hails from the Toronto Local.”
In solidarity
Mark Lubinski
President
Toronto Local CUPW
Sisters and Brothers,
On June 16, 2026, 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 to all the activists, Shop Stewards and Union officers. By participating in the meeting, you agree to the following:
You must not record, share or post the meeting documents or any photos from this meeting without prior permission from Toronto Local
Toronto Local officer (Recording Secretary or any other officer or member that the Local assigned for this duty) will be the only authorized person to take the General Membership minutes for the Local records and usage. The General Membership meeting will facilitate under the Toronto Local By-Laws and the National Constitution. All participants must treat each other with respect during the meeting.
Attention: E.S.S. and Shop Stewards
Please share and post all the Union Literatures and notices that you receive on the Union boards, as per the By-Laws.
In Solidarity,
Abdi Hagi Yusuf,
Secretary-Treasurer,
CUPW Toronto Local
May 21, 2026.
Sisters and Brothers,
Listed below are the dates, times and places of where the ratification votes will take place. Please note that it is mandatory to listen to the short presentation before casting your vote.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2026 – (URBAN)
ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION
243 COXWELL AVENUE, TORONTO, ONTARIO.
* FIVE MEETINGS – 7:00 A.M. 1:00 P.M. 3:00 P.M. 4:30 P.M.
& 7:00 P.M.*
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FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2026 - (URBAN)
HILTON GARDENS INN - (IN THE BALLROOM)
1870 MATHESON BLVD. MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO.
SIX MEETINGS - 7:00 A.M. 11:30 A.M. 2:00 P.M.
4:00 P.M. 6:00 P.M. & 7:00 P.M.
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SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026 - (URBAN & RSMC)
UNION HALL
47 DENSLEY AVENUE, TORONTO, ONTARIO.
TWO MEETINGS
10:00 A.M. - (R.S.M.C.)
&
*12:00 NOON 2:00 P.M. (URBAN)*
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Trusting you will make effort possible to attend one of these meetings.
In Solidarity,
Abdi Hagi Yusuf,
Secretary-Treasurer,
CUPW Toronto Local.
AHY:w
April 15, 2026
