Wednesday July 16, 2003

Dear NAMMU member and mailing industry colleague:

There is still time for the parties to reach a negotiated agreement - or at least an agreement in principle - without disruption. Here is whats happening:

Canada Post Corporation and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) continue marathon discussions to reach accord before the CUPW imposed strike timing of 12:01 A.M. Friday, July 18. Ms. Deborah Bourque, National President, CUPW, confirmed they would be at the table all weekend. Talks continued Monday and Tuesday, and CUPW national executive met Wednesday to assess progress. The remaining issues are complex and new or re-worked proposals require exhaustive analysis. Following these most recent discussions, Executive Vice-President, Business Operations, Canada Post Corporation, Anne Joynt, commented on the dedication, stamina and common objective of resolution by both negotiating teams: Both negotiating teams are working very hard, could not be working any harder, could not be doing any more. The BUSINESS AS USUAL fax campaign to the Honourable Andre Ouellet, President and CEO, Canada Post Corporation, sponsored by NAMMU on Monday had contributions from every sector of the mailing industry. These messages acknowledged the significant challenges still to be resolved by the parties and also the accomplishments made to date. However, all advocated stay the course, stay at the table, business as usual. In discussion today about this campaign, Mr. Ouellet shared his view that from his perspective, the parties were much closer than when CUPW provided the strike notice July 10. As part of the normal communications process, Canada Post has notified employees that in the event of a strike, the Corporation will not continue to operate in urban (CUPW-staffed) offices; but will continue to operate in rural Canada where offices will provide services on a local-to-local basis. NAMMU is urging both parties to avoid disruptive tactics in everyones best interests. Further, if there is agreement Thursday between the parties that this last round of talks has moved them substantially closer together, NAMMU has suggested the Friday strike deadline be suspended to allow the parties adequate time to resolve the remaining issues. This will help curb the escalating volume erosion due to postal channel uncertainty and re-cast the Corporation as a favourable choice for upcoming campaigns.

On Thursday, the negotiating teams are choosing the future of this Crown Corporation and this is the defining moment. There is still time to reach an agreement in principle that demonstrates the maturity and comprehension of true business realities by the parties involved, without strike or lockout. NAMMU is encouraging this process. For additional information during this critical time, members are encouraged to contact their Chapter Director; the Administrative Office: 1-800-453-1308; or the President.

Sincerely,