Surprise Demonstration in Quebec City

Harper pressed about the Quebec Mail Processing Plant

Wednesday, March 8, 2006 — A surprise demonstration awaited Prime Minister Stephen Harper today in Quebec City. Demonstrators reminded him of the commitment made by his team to review Canada Post’s decision to close the city’s mail processing plant. Some 70 Quebec Local members mobilized in less than 24 hours, and marched from the plant to the location of the meeting between Mr. Harper and Quebec Premier Jean Charest.

With original songs, insightful slogans and the traditional whistles, the union members publicly requested a meeting with Mr. Harper.

The demonstrators succeeded in putting pressure on the Prime Minister and obtained a 20-minute meeting with the new Minister responsible for Canada Post, Lawrence Cannon.

Denis Poirier, Quebec Local Executive member, Monique Allard, Regional Education and Organization Officer, and Christian Martel, Regional Grievance Officer, represented the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) at the meeting. They explained to the Minister the negative impact this closure will have on service and put a human face on the jobs that will be eliminated. The CUPW delegation also spoke of the tremendous support received in the region and from across the country, and also pointed out the absurdity of having local mail processed in Montreal.

The demonstration received good coverage by the broadcast media and daily newspapers. At the Prime Minister and Premier’s joint press conference, Mr. Harper had to deal with four questions on the mail processing plant. He said that he could not interfere in the management of Canada Post, an independent Crown corporation. For his part, Jean Charest simply stated that Canada Post is under federal jurisdiction.

During his meeting with CUPW members, Mr. Cannon was more positive. He said he was willing to review the matter and ensure close follow-up with the Union. The CUPW national office is continuing to push for a meeting with Mr. Cannon and Ms. Josée Verner, Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages.

One thing is for sure; this action by members of the Quebec Mail Processing Plant was not in vain. The pressure put on the new government was clearly felt in Quebec City. Next week’s launch of a new phase in the CUPW campaign should enable all our members, allies and friends across the country to intensify these pressures in support of our Brothers and Sisters in Quebec City and stop other closures elsewhere in the country.