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
OCTOBER 17, 2026
9:00 A.M.
UNION HALL
a) Roll Call of Officers 
b) Acceptance of Members in Good Standing
c) Reading and Adoption of Minutes
d) Reading of Correspondence
e) Bills and Accounts
f) Reports of Officers and Committee
g) Nominations and Elections
h) Notice of Motion
i) Unfinished Business
j) New Business
k) Adjournment
In Solidarity,
Abdi Hagi Yusuf,
Secretary- Treasurer,
CUPW Toronto Local
AHY: w
September 18, 2026
Sisters, Brothers, Comrades:
Please join the Local in celebrating truth and reconciliation for our Indigenous workers with a blessing and refreshments at the Local Union Hall on this important day.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is observed annually on September 30 to honour Survivors of residential schools, their families, and Indigenous communities. This day provides an opportunity to recognize the painful legacy of residential schools, reflect on the ongoing impacts of colonialism, and support meaningful reconciliation. It matters because
We honour the children who never returned home from residential schools.
We Recognize the experiences and resilience of Survivors.
It encourages learning about Indigenous histories, cultures, and contributions.
It also promotes action toward reconciliation and respectful relationships
Ways for our members to participate
In Solidarity, An Injury to One is an Injury to All
Jane Marsh Abdi Hagi Yusuf
4th VP Secretary Treasurer
CUPW Toronto Local
September 14, 2026
SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
7:00 P.M.
UNION HALL – 47 DENSLEY AVE.
AGENDA
a) Roll Call of Officers
b) Acceptance of Members in Good Standing
c) Reading and Adoption of Minutes
d) Reading of Correspondence
e) Bills and Accounts
f) Reports of Officers and Committees
g) Nominations and elections – for the position of
Acting E.S.S. – W/A Clerks
h) Notice of Motions
i) Unfinished Business
j) New Business
k) Adjournment
In Solidarity,
Abdi Hagi Yusuf
Secretary- Treasurer,
CUPW Toronto Local
AHY:w
August 19, 2026
LABOUR DAY PARADE
SEPTEMBER 7, 2026
9:30 A.M.
Sisters and Brothers:
The Toronto Local, along with other Labour Unions will be marching in the Toronto Labour Day Parade. The Local assembly will be in section 8, which is both sides the East side (Blvd) on University Avenue, south from Dundas St. W. and halfway down to Armoury Street.
FOLLOWING ARE THE DETAILS:
LOCATION: SECTION 8 (PLEASE SEE MAP ON THE BACK)
ARRIVAL: 8:00 A.M.
MARCH: STARTS AT 9:30 SHARP
Come out with your family members to show your support and please remember to wear COMFORTABLE SHOES AND COMFORTABLE CLOTHING!! Wristbands will be issued to marchers only. The wristband is your admission to the C.N.E. They are not to be given/traded to people who are not marching. Please make sure you bring your identification (preferably your Union Card) or one showing you work at Canada Post. T-Shirts and wristbands will be handed out on first come first serve basis and must be marching in the parade.
In Solidarity,
Jane Marsh,
4th Vice-President,
CUPW Toronto Local (PLEASE TURN OVER) August 18, 2026
