Canadian Postal Workers strike or lockout questions

[csziggy]

What is going on up there? I read a message on another board about how the US Postal Service is no longer accepting mail headed to Canada because of a strike. Then I looked for information and found precious little news, just some news releases from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers about "Legislation quashes free collective bargaining" - http://www.cupw.ca/index.cfm/ci_id/13236/la_id/1.htm - and "Punitive Back-To-Work Legislation Rewards Canada Post" - http://www.cupw.ca/index.cfm/ci_id/13314/la_id/1.htm.

It looks as though the current Canadian government is doing some of the same stupid things the GOP have done here.

Does anyone have more information about what is going on?

[hermetic]

1. Here's some info

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2011/06/02/f-postal-strike-tips.html

and

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/06/24/canada-post-back-to-work-filibuster-ndp_n_883682.html

[csziggy]

2. Thank you - that fills the background out more

It sounds suspiciously like the information on most union situations in this country. The union workers are portrayed as lazy, overpaid with higher salaries and more benefits than most people. And as we know, in cases like the auto workers, the inflated "hourly" pay is not the actual pay, but includes all benefits, deferred pensions and other things that the workers bargained for.

[hermetic]

3. Still interested?

I am because I sent a birthday gift to someone there and now it's trapped somewhere. It's difficult to find updates on this story, but what I have heard is that the newly elected delegates from the NDP, New Democratic Party, have been filibustering for 2 days straight now. They're stalling the vote. I find it quite interesting and wish there was more coverage. HuffPo seems to be the only source of information right now. Stay tuned, eh.

[csziggy]

4. I'll keep checking on the situation

It's sad to see the Republicon agenda spreading to Canada. I had hoped the government there would stay sane.

It's still better than here - I am in Florida with pRick Scott dismantling all protections for all average citizens and giving the state to his rich cronies.

Thanks! I hope the birthday gift shows up eventually.

[ImNotTed]

5. Look on the bright side

With Harper in power up there, maybe we could convince Scott Walker to switch countries. :-)

[csziggy]

8. I wouldn't inflict any of our Tea baggers on another country

Unless it would be to that small Pacific island country that is now underwater at every high tide.

[hermetic]

6. Back-to-Work Bill clears House

"A Conservative bill ordering 48,000 Canada Post employees back to work cleared the House of Commons on Saturday night after a marathon debate and several failed opposition efforts to win changes.
...
Third reading came at the end of a 58-hour filibuster, during which the opposition tried to either hold up or modify what it called a "draconian" bill — and after talks between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers collapsed again."

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/06/25/canada-post.html

Looks like they'll be delivering again in a few days. Meanwhile, you have my deepest sympathies for having your taxes pay the salary of that abomination, Scott. Florida has certainly suffered its share of abuse at the hands of the robber barons.

[Darth_Kitten]

7. Well, the head of Canada Post makes over 600,000 per year.

But, let's go after those overpaid workers, eh, Harper? :eyes: