Tuesday September 9, 2003

Dear NAMMU member and mailing industry colleague:

Following the tentative agreements reached between Canada Post Corporation and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), ratification of the agreements by the CUPW Membership is the vital next step in the process. CUPW National Executive have met with or are meeting with 200 locals as well as rural and suburban carriers to both present the agreements and respond to questions, prior to the ratification vote.

These are complex, complicated agreements negotiated between the parties, and this next step in the process permits each member to understand and vote. The requirement for ratification is fifty per cent plus one. During this democratic process, it is normal that media coverage air discussion and local views. However, it is the vote that counts.

This tentative agreements are fully supported by both negotiating teams and the Federal mediators who assisted the parties throughout the latter part of the process. The process concludes September 25th.

Some mailing industry organizations have expressed concern over the continuing uncertaintyand volume erosion, impacting the critical fall and winter mailing seasons. NAMMU remains fully supportive of the negotiating teamsefforts and that the conclusion will be mature and productive for all concerned. We have communicated this to both parties.

NAMMU has also advised the Honorable Steven W. Mahoney, Secretary of State responsible for Canada Post Corporation, that it would not appeal the gazetting for the January 2004 rate case, preferring instead to work out the issues involved with the Honourable Andre Ouellet and his executive team. NAMMU has also asked for leniency from Mr. Ouellet on the proposed rate and other changes for the Canadian mailing industry should any uncertainties prevail at the ratification vote conclusion.

Questions and comments are welcomed by NAMMU Chapter Directors, as well as the president at the contact points provided.