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Local CUPW president disappointed in government

Nov 27, 2018 | 4:40 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The local president of the Canadian union of postal workers has commented after the federal government passed back to work legislation ending rotating strikes across the country.

After 37 days, all members returned to their regularly scheduled shifts as of 10:00 a.m. Tuesday.

Doris Salmaso, the local union president says the government has turned its back on postal workers.

The union says it’s especially difficult being legislated back to work with Christmas just around the corner.

According to a statement issued this morning, between now and the holidays at least 315 disabling injuries will happen to postal workers, and rural and suburban mail carriers will work roughly 250,000 hours without pay.

Salmaso says the decision shows that the government cares more about money than protecting Canada Post workers.

“Well I think that the government has put more emphasis on commerce than they do on health and safety issues,” says Salmaso ”People are suffering now and all they care about is the bottom line, let’s get people working and get those packages delivered.”

Later Tuesday afternoon, the union president Mike Palecek issued an additional statement saying in the coming days, its members will begin a campaign of mobilizations, demonstrations and non-civil disobedience.

It adds all options remain on the table until a satisfactory deal is agreed upon.