Introduction
Postal workers have a storied history of solidarity and collective action that has evolved over the past century. The conditions they faced in the early 20th century were vastly different from the modern challenges they encounter. This article traces the journey of postal unions from their humble beginnings to becoming powerful forces advocating for workers' rights and improved working conditions.
The Early Years: Connecting a Nation
At the turn of the 20th century, the post office served as a vital link in connecting a sprawling, sparsely populated country. In this era, the Canadian government recognized the post office as a cornerstone of national development, viewing it as a necessary, publicly funded infrastructure for private growth. The first organization of postal workers emerged in 1889 with the Canadian Railway Mail Federation (CRMF), reflecting the importance of railway mail clerks who sorted mail on moving trains.
Emergence of Unions
The Federated Association of Letter Carriers (FALC), established in 1891, paved the way for subsequent postal unions. Initially operating as benevolent societies providing financial protection for members' families, FALC's scope expanded over time. By 1900, local branches began addressing issues like pay, working hours, holidays, and uniforms, setting the stage for organized collective action.
Early Struggles and Strikes
Working conditions in the post office during this period were challenging, with long hours, no overtime pay, and poor wages. Postal workers, particularly in FALC, started voicing their concerns. A significant milestone was the national strike of 1918, when FALC orchestrated a ten-day strike that secured a 44-hour workweek, overtime pay, salary increases, and improved working conditions.
Divisions and Unity
In the aftermath of the strike, divisions and unions emerged. The Amalgamated Postal Workers of Canada (APWC) aimed for nationwide organization but faced challenges from eastern-based groups. Meanwhile, the Canadian Federation of Postal Employees (CFPE) attempted to unite other unions but failed to do so effectively. The post-World War II era saw the revival of postal worker activism and efforts to secure rights to collective bargaining.
A Turning Point: The 1965 Strike
Tensions escalated in the 1960s due to wage freezes and deteriorating working conditions. Inspired by British postal workers' successes, Canadian postal workers initiated a strike in 1965. This two-week strike led to wage increases, a Royal Commission into working conditions, and new labor legislation granting government workers the right to strike.
Formation of Stronger Unions
The 1965 strike marked a turning point, spurring the establishment of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and the Letter Carriers Union of Canada (LCUC). These unions provided postal workers with a stronger collective voice and paved the way for further labor resistance and advocacy.
Conclusion
From their beginnings as railway mail clerks to their modern roles as powerful unions advocating for workers' rights, postal unions have undergone a significant transformation. Through solidarity, strikes, and collective action, postal workers have shaped the course of their working conditions, fostering a tradition of resilience that continues to shape their present and future.
