TUESDAY JUNE 10, 2003

Dear NAMMU member and Canadian mailing industry colleague:

For the past six months, Canada Post has been in formal negotiations with its largest union, the Canadian Union of Postal workers (CUPW). It is a credit to both parties and a strong indication of sincere dedication to achieving a negotiated settlement, that media and disruptive tactics have not played a role to date.

Todays media release by CUPW by any measure a normal part of the bargaining process is however, putting the already imperiled Canadian mailing industry at even more serious risk. NAMMU has absolutely no commenton the bargaining issues both parties know what is at risk for Canada Post. NAMMU continues to express only its full support for the bargaining teams that are currently choosing the future of the Corporation.

Prior to the start of formal negotiations, NAMMU President Kathleen Rowe met with Canada Post executive and CUPW leadership to encourage the process of good faith negotiations. The parties had been working in teams to resolve critical issues since the signing of the previous collective agreement. We were encouraged then and remain encouraged that the negotiation teams can come to agreement on critical issues inside the room. NAMMU made clear the business opportunities it was either launching or had on the drawing board that would engage the Corporation in stable, successful ventures helping to ensure the corporations successful future as well as a vibrant, healthy Canadian mailing industry were totally dependant on a successful, negotiated settlement between the parties, without the use of the media as a bargaining tool.

NAMMU reinforced that fact today with Ms. Deborah Bourque, National President, Canadian Union of Postal Workers and Ms. Anne Joynt, Executive Vice-President, Business Operations, Canada Post Corporation. NAMMU is committed to the development of a healthy, vibrant Canadian mailing industry and believes BUSINESS AS USUAL is the only messageoutside the room that will achieve this powerful, successful future for the Corporation and the Canadian mailing industry.

NAMMU today offered encouragement and support for the negotiating teams inside the roomdealing with the issues. YES, the parties continue to meet individually with the two Conciliation Officers requested by the two parties in March to help focus and speed the process. NAMMU expressed congratulations to the leadership for the joint accomplishments to date, urging both parties to stay the course and stay at the table inside the room. NAMMU has also offered its assistance if both parties believe the big picture thinkingof the Canadian mailing industry would be of value in their discussions. The Minister of Labour, the Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, P.C., M.P., is also aware of this opportunity should the parties desire it.

Under the new Canada Labor Code:

*Both parties requested conciliation Officers to help speed the process. The Minister of Labour, the Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, appointed Mr. Jacques Lessard and Ms. Jennifer Webster on March 28.

*The conciliation period lasted for 60 days, and the Conciliation Officers presented their report to the Minister May 27th. This report is not available to the public nor the parties concerned.

*There is a 21 day period following this report, which concludes June 15th. From that point, with 72 hours notification, either party has the legal right to strike or lockout.

*Gathering a strike vote is a normal part of the bargaining process and CUPW is currently engaged in this process.

*Although the formal conciliation process is over, both parties continue to meet separately with the Conciliation Officers.

*Both parties have declared their intention to re-engage at the bargaining table following the CUPW vote. They continue to have access to the Conciliation Officers should both parties find this continues to assist and speed the process.

NAMMU members have been kept informed regularly and verbally at Chapter meetings on negotiation progress as well as contingency planning, in order to respect the bargaining process without media hype. We intend to continue this, however, recognize that the CUPW media release and hypeby other interested parties may take centre stage to the detriment of the Canadian mailing industry. On Thursday, June 5, the NAMMU Board agreed it was vital to reinforce our position and our actions clearly to the stakeholders our members.

A media release has been issued. Members are encouraged to contact their Chapter Directors with questions, the Administrative Office: 1-800-453-1308, or the president at the contact points noted below. Please feel free to circulate this update within your organization.