While we understand the need to maintain services during the Christmas rush, we cannot overlook the significant impact of the government's decision to intervene in this manner. By forcing postal workers to return to work under threat of legal action, the government has not only disregarded their right to negotiate fair wages, safe working conditions, and improved benefits but also inflicted a deep sense of injustice and insecurity. This decision harms postal workers and undermines the principles of collective bargaining, which are vital to a fair and just society.
Postal workers, many of whom are Black and racialized, provide an essential service to Canadians year-round. The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Canada is deeply concerned that this decision disproportionately affects marginalized workers, who are already subject to systemic barriers, discrimination, and unequal treatment within the workforce. Postal workers, like all workers, deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. The timing of this intervention—right before Christmas—only highlights the government's prioritization of short-term convenience over workers' long-term welfare and rights.
As representatives of workers who are part of the broader labour movement, we demand the following:
Respect for Collective Bargaining and Workers' Rights
The government must respect postal workers' fundamental right to engage in free, fair, and meaningful collective bargaining. Back-to-work orders undermines this right and sets a dangerous precedent for future interventions in workers' rights across various sectors.
Fair and Equitable Compensation
Postal workers must receive fair and just compensation for their essential work. The current situation, where the government pushes workers into subpar working conditions and wages, is simply unacceptable. As the cost of living continues to rise, postal workers must be properly compensated for their valuable work, especially given their role in maintaining communication during critical times like the holiday season.
Improvement of Workplace Conditions
Canada Post must address the unsafe and often discriminatory working conditions that postal workers, particularly Black and racialized workers, face. We demand that the government take proactive steps to ensure a safe, respectful, and equitable working environment free from harassment, systemic racism, and unsafe conditions that disproportionately affect workers from marginalized communities.
Opposition to Forced Back-to-Work Orders/Legislation
Back-to-work orders/legislation is not a solution—it is an imposition. The government must stop using it to force workers into submission. Instead, the government should encourage open dialogue and negotiation between Canada Post and the union, ensuring that workers' voices and needs are addressed.
Inclusion and Equity of Black and Racialized Workers in Decision-Making
Black and racialized postal workers must participate in all discussions regarding policy changes and labour negotiations. Sister Jan Simpson, President of CUPW, is an active CBTU member. Jan's experience in combating challenges and voice must be respected as she and all the leadership make fair demands for all CUPW workers. She is integral to the conversation about workplace fairness and justice being demanded at the bargaining table.
End to Retaliatory Practices
We demand an end to any form of retaliation against postal workers who exercise their rights to collective bargaining or engage in union activities. Workers should be protected from punitive actions, including job loss or harassment, simply for standing up for their rights.
Accountability for Canada Post's Actions
Canada Post must be held accountable for any actions that harm the well-being of postal workers. This includes ensuring the corporation adheres to all relevant labour laws and respects workers' rights as stipulated by the Canadian Labour Code.
Commitment to Long-Term Labour Reform
We call on the government to commit to a broader, more comprehensive labour reform agenda that provides greater protection and security for all workers, particularly those in integral services like postal work. The current approach to labour relations is failing workers, and it is time for a rethinking of policies that ensure long-term justice for Canadian workers.
The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Canada, together with our members in the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, stands firm in its support for the rights of postal workers to live and work in dignity. We urge the government to reconsider its decision and take the necessary steps to ensure that Canadian postal workers, especially those from racialized communities, are treated fairly, with respect, and can work under conditions that honour their contributions.
We look forward to your immediate response to this critical matter.
Sincerely,
The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Canada (CBTU Canada) Executive Board and CBTU Members across Canada
