Want to help make this year’s CUPW Vancouver local  Members  BBQ at Fraser River Park the best ever?  Then come join the Local Picnic Planning Committee! 

Contact the Organizing Director,

Doug Kellam @ [email protected]

Local President Anju Parmar @ [email protected]

Every year, the Vancouver Trans March is a celebration of joy and diversity that marches ever year on the Friday of the August long weekend; this year the march will take place on July 31^st on Commercial Drive. Over the last few years, the march has grown in size, and last year the march had a record attendance of nearly 7,000 people!

The Vancouver Local has been a proud and long-standing supporter of the Vancouver Trans March, and this year, we are calling on postal workers to support the march by volunteering to make all the logistics of the march possible. Roles include setup, tear down, first aid, road safety, de-escalation, active listening and several other roles that many of our CUPW members already have experience in.

If you are interested in being a part of the Vancouver Trans March, please scan this QR code for more information or to sign up.

In Solidarity,

Anju Parmar, President

CUPW Vancouver local 846

 September 13-18, 2026 @ Gimli, MB

Advance Shop Steward

This course gives experienced stewards an opportunity to assess their strengths and work on the areas they want to improve. Participants review grievance investigation basics and practice face-to-face communications, including meetings with management. Other topics include self-care, strategies for shop floor mobilization and recruiting new stewards, the duty of fair representation, the rights of temporary employees and OCRE’s, and the Short-Term Disability Plan.

Please note participants for this course must have Basic Shop Steward and is focused for more experienced stewards.

Turtle Island the Turtle Island course aims to build meaningful, long-term relationships with and among indigenous peoples inside and outside our workplaces. The course identifies key moments in indigenous peoples’ history in Canada, connects these historical events to the current context, and debunks myths and stereotypes. It concludes with participants identifying ways to act as effective and respectful allies to Indigenous peoples in their struggle for decolonization.

Please note all members that have not taken it are encouraged to apply.

These courses present a unique opportunity for both regions to work collaboratively on the challenges we face daily. By joining forces, we can build a stronger, united front that tackles issues with greater efficacy and innovation. Additionally, participating in these courses allows us to reenergize and gain fresh perspectives, fostering a sense of renewal and commitment to our shared goals.

The deadline for registration is 5:00 p.m. on August 5, 2026. (NO EXCEPTIONS) Please ensure your applications are in by the date, any application received after the deadline will not be considered.

To be considered, all applications must be signed and submitted by the Local President or their designate. Once the Local signs the applications, the Local must submit all signed and completed applications directly to Regional Office. Applications can be submitted by mail to Unit 109-4238 Lozells Ave, Burnaby BC V5A OC4 OR Fax at (604) 685-4931

In Solidarity,

Anju Parmar, President

Vancouver local 846

The Publications Committee is looking for member submissions for a new issue of The Postal Worker. The spring 2026 issue of The Postal Worker, our Local’s quarterly publication, is scheduled for release in late June 2026.

With the looming threat of a massive rollout of community mailboxes the new issue of the Postal Worker plans to seize on that word ‘Community’ to tell stories about how postal workers are essential to the fabric of communities thanks to the civic-minded hard work we do every day across the Vancouver local. So much is going on with our jobs rights now – the collective agreement vote, proposed transformative depot restructures, continued egregious health and safety violations by management – The Postal Worker is a creative outlet for members to tell their stories about their experiences on the job.

Long form essays, cartoons, artwork, poems, activist reports, photographs – we are looking for submissions of all shapes and sizes. If you have a creative idea for something to include reach out.

Send all submissions to [email protected] for consideration. Even if you have the rough sketch of an idea, reach out to the editors and we will happily guide you through the process to get it to publication.

Please submit by June 5 2026 to be considered for the spring issue.

read more here

Submission Guidelines

❖ All text for consideration must be received before the submission deadline and the editors reserve the right to not publish any text sent after the deadline.

❖ The editors reserve the right to edit any submission for typos, grammar, readability and length. Editors cannot edit text to distort or alter the overall views and ideas expressed by the author

❖ Submissions must keep with the CUPW Harassment Policy.

❖ Submissions must contain nothing which is defamatory, and all statements purporting to be facts should be true. The editors reserve the right to edit any content for accuracy or where there is concern it is libelous.

❖ Any submissions with illustrations or images should be submitted in hi-resolution (300dpi) in a file format suitable for publication.

❖ Any submissions must be the sole work of the author and cannot be the creation of AI writing generators. If you need assistance please let us know.

In Solidarity,

Publication Committee
CUPW Vancouver Local

The tentative agreement currently under consideration comes after a prolonged and challenging period for our membership. Our Collective Agreement expired on January 31, 2022, and since that time, postal workers have experienced significant changes in the nature of our work. This has included seven weeks on the picket line—an action taken not only to send a message to Canada Post but also to highlight broader concerns about the treatment of workers across the country.

The Local Executive met on March 31, 2026, to review the agreement and discuss whether to put forward a recommendation. After lengthy debate and careful consideration, it was decided to recommend a NO vote on the tentative agreement being brought forward for ratification. We want to emphasize, however, that this is not a directive. Each member must make their own decision, and our role is to provide information, share our perspective, and offer our recommendation so that members can make an informed choice.

In reviewing the tentative agreement, several concerns became apparent. The proposed wage increases do not appear to keep pace with the rising cost of living. Of particular note, the final two years of wage adjustments are tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). While this approach may seem responsive to inflation, it introduces uncertainty and shifts responsibility away from the employer to ensure wages consistently reflect both the demands of the job and broader economic realities. There is a real risk that inflation could outpace wage growth, which would erode members’ purchasing power over time.

Concerns around shift premiums also remain. The union had advocated for improvements to recognize the challenges associated with non-standard working hours and to bring them more in line with comparable bargaining units within Canada Post. Unfortunately, these issues are not meaningfully addressed in the tentative agreement.

The physical demands of postal work are well known, and many members rely on benefits such as physiotherapy and massage therapy to maintain their health, continue working safely, and sustain long-term employment. Yet the tentative agreement provides no substantial improvements to benefits, including dental and medical coverage. Caps on coverage remain outdated, which increases out-of-pocket costs, and the introduction of a prescription dispensing fee, capped at $9.00, adds an additional financial burden for members.

Job security is another area of concern. The tentative agreement allows for the expansion of undefined part-time positions, raising serious questions about the future of stable, full-time work. While Article 53 remains in place, public statements by CEO Doug Ettinger outlining potential workforce reductions—up to 16,000 jobs over five years and as many as 30,000 over ten years—create significant uncertainty. These concerns are reinforced by already planned retail job cuts. Taken together, these developments signal a shift away from secure employment, which the agreement does not adequately address or safeguard against.

Finally, the tentative agreement is tied to the withdrawal of grievances related to personal days and the judicial review of SSD. This effectively removes the Corporation’s accountability in these areas and could result in members losing important entitlements.

When considered as a whole, the tentative agreement appears to largely maintain the status quo, with some areas potentially representing setbacks rather than meaningful progress. Again, it is important to stress that this is not a directive on how to vote. We encourage all members to carefully review the full details of the agreement, reflect on their own priorities and experiences, and make the decision they believe is best.

In Solidarity,

Vancouver 846 Local Executive Committee   

The Publications Committee is requesting submissions for a special issue of Update to be published in the lead up to voting on the tentative collective agreement.

In the days ahead, we all face a momentous choice. Without doubt, this is the most consequential vote on a collective agreement in our lifetime. We want to hear from the work floors across Vancouver about how members feel about the vote. This Update will include a recommendation from our Local Executive and information from the NEB, but your voices matter too. Send us your thoughts on the proposals.

Send all submissions to [email protected] for consideration. We are short on time so please submit as soon as possible and read through the guidelines below. The deadline to submit is end of day April 15th 2026.

Submission Guidelines

❖ All text for consideration must be received before the submission deadline and the editors reserve the right to not publish any text sent after the deadline.

❖ Submitting does not guarantee publication. Editors will do their best to include as many submissions as possible but reserve the right to not include text if there is insufficient space.

❖ The editors reserve the right to edit any submission for typos, grammar, readability and length. Editors cannot edit text to distort or alter the overall views and ideas expressed by the author.

❖ Submissions must keep with the CUPW Harassment Policy.

❖ Submissions must not be defamatory. All statements purporting to be facts should be true. The editors reserve the right to edit any content for accuracy or where there is concern it is libelous.

❖ Any submissions must be the sole work of the author and cannot be the creation of AI writing generators. If you need assistance please let us know.

In Solidarity,

Publication Commitee

*Local Executive Members are in Bold

*The year attached to the name determines the End of Term and will need to run in the Steward Elections pertaining to the year 

In Solidarity,

 Kevin Biggs

 Vancouver Local Secretary-Treasurer                                                                                                                                          lb/CUPE-3338

  Martin Kosik has been elected as 1st Vice President.

  Nicki Gill has been elected as Health & Safety Director.

   Doug Kellam has been elected as Organizing Director.

 Congratulations to all the winners

Shop Steward election Results will be announced next week.

In Solidarity,

Anju Parmar, President

 FOR ANNUAL PLANT GATE ELECTIONS  2026

Robyn Mann                                                                              Alvin Wu

Chair                                                                                           Co- Chair

Nominations have now closed for the following positions on the Local Executive Committee:

   1^st Vice President

Martin Kosik

Joseph Henderson McCance

Organizing Director

Skadi Green

Doug Kellam

Health & Safety Director

Nikki Gill

John Tweed

Nominated and Acclaimed

Secretary Treasurer

Kevin Biggs

3^rd Vice President

Bryan Schuck

Executive Shop Steward PPC /PIF   Shift 2

Robyn Mann

Executive Shop Steward PPC/PIF   Shift 3

Angelo Alcantara

The schedule for the 2026 annual election will be presented in a future bulletin. Congratulations to those acclaimed to a position and good luck to those are nominated.

In Solidarity, 

Anju Parmar, President

The Publications Committee is requesting submissions for the first issue of UPDATE for 2026! We are looking for short submissions (50-100 words in length) detailing what is happening during your shift.

Much has happened on the work floor since the last issue and we want to hear from you. How do members feel about the slow drip of information about the tentative collective agreements? What are the big issues with the latest SSD rollouts? Do you have health and safety issues on the job? Are there fun social events coming up. Let us know!

Send all submissions to [email protected] for consideration. Email us to make alternate arrangements, or come find a Pub Committee member!

Please submit by February 13, 2026 to be considered for the next issue.

If you have not yet deposited your Strike Pay Cheques from September 25^th to October 11^th, 2026…

Please Deposit before February 6^th, 2026

The Vancouver Local Strike Pay Account will be closed and the remaining funds will be sent back to the CUPW National Defense Fund, as required by the National Office.

If you have any issues regarding Strike Pay for the September/October 2025 Job Action

Please send an email directly to [email protected]

Or Call 604-685-6581 Ext. 4

So that I can directly fix any issues regarding

I want to thank everyone for their participation during the strike, whether you were on the line as a Picketer, Strike Captain, Zone Co-Ordinator, Strike Pay Team, Executives, and all our supporters from the Labour Movement.

Kevin Biggs, Secretary Treasurer

Our calendars have recently been distributed, but they sadly have some errors. Please note:

These are the proper days that Night Workers’ Leave (art. 33.18) blocks begins: 2026:

• February 15
• March 15
• April 12
• May 10
• June 7
• July 5
• August 2
• August 30
• September 27
• October 25
• November 22
• December 20

2027:

• January 17
• February 14
• March 14

Also, note that two statutory holidays in 2027 were not listed:

• March 26 – Good Friday
• March 29 – Easter Monday 

  Alex Bernstein

  Organizing Director

General Membership Meeting

January 24^th, Saturday at 10am 

Maritimes Labour Centre

1880 Triumph Street, Vancouver

Agenda for the January GMM:

1. Land Acknowledgment
2. Reading of Truth and Reconciliation: Calls to Action
3. Reading of Harassment Policy
4. Reading of new members
5. Reading of the previous meeting minutes
6. Business arising out of the minutes
7. New Business
8. Nominations and elections:
   1. VDLC (5) Alternates (4)
   2. Organizing Committee (1)
   3. Publications Committee (1) 

9. Executive Committee Motions
10. Unfinished business
11. Correspondence
12. Executive and Committee Reports
13. Good and Welfare
14. Adjournment 

***ASL Interpreters have been confirmed for this meeting***

In Solidarity,

Anju Parmar, President

Nominations Deadline: February 15, 2026 by 12:00 P.M.

Nominations are now open for the following positions on the Local Executive Committee:

Full-Time / Part time Officers

1^st Vice President
Secretary Treasurer
3^rd Vice President

Table Officers

Organizing Director

Health & Safety Director

Executive Shop Stewards*

PPC Internal Shift 2

PPC/PIF Internal Shift 3

The duties of these positions are described in the Vancouver Local By-laws, and are available at the Union Hall or at any General Membership Meeting.

Written and signed nominations with acceptances must be submitted to the Union Hall, Unit 109-4238 lozells Avenue, Burnaby, by 12:00 P.M. (noon) on Sunday, February 15th, 2026. You can also fax your nomination and acceptance at (604) 685-4931. No late nominations will be accepted. Candidates and their nominators must be members in good standing. In addition, candidates and the nominators must have attended at least three (3) General Membership Meetings in the previous twelve (12) months. Please send your nominations to Anju Parmar President Vancouver Local.

The exact dates for the election to be announced by the Balloting Committee. The schedule for the 2026 plant-gate election will be presented in a bulletin after nominations close.

In Solidarity,

Anju Parmar, President

Dates: February 5 – 7, 2026 (Thursday, Friday & Saturday)

Time: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Maritime Labour Centre, 1880 Triumph Street, Vancouver

This three-day course is for Vancouver Local members who are interested in becoming Shop Stewards or who would like to learn more about their rights under the Collective Agreement. Shop Stewards are the backbone of the union. The aim of this course is to provide new or potential stewards
with the knowledge and confidence needed to carry out the role effectively. Note: This course is intended for new stewards or members who have never attended a Basic Steward Course.

Course Prerequisite: Applicants must have attended at least one (1) General Membership Meeting within the past twelve (12) months, and Be a member in good standing prior to the course application deadline.

Members wishing to apply for this training course should: Visit https://www.cupwvancouver.org. Select Education → Courses → Local Course Application than Complete the Local Education Application Form.

Please PRINT the application form legibly, clearly, and in full. A clearly printed email address so we can communicate with you. Incomplete or illegible applications will not be accepted. Applications may be submitted by: Fax: (604) 685-4931, Dropped off in person, or Mail to CUPW
Vancouver Local, 109 – 4238 Lozells Ave, Burnaby, BC V5A 0C4

read more here

STDP – Wage Loss Benefits (Article 20)

If your Short-Term Disability Plan (STDP) wage loss benefits have been denied, follow these steps to ensure your appeal is handled effectively:
1. Schedule an Appointment
Contact your doctor as soon as possible to arrange an appointment. Timely medical input is essential for your appeal.
2. Notify Your Case Manager
Email your case manager within 7 days to inform them that you are appealing the decision.
Include the date of your upcoming doctor’s appointment.
Note: Canada Life / Telus Health may extend appeal deadlines based on your appointment date.
3. Authorize Union Representation
If required, sign and send the Authorization for Union Representation form.
Final appeals for STDP denials are handled by the CUPW Regional Office.
4. Bring Documentation
Take your denial letter to the medical appointment.
Ask your doctor to review and address each issue mentioned in the denial letter.
5. Request Detailed Medical Support
Ask your doctor for a comprehensive medical letter that:
 Explains why you cannot perform your work duties.
 Describes the connection between your illness/injury and your job.
 Includes specific examples of your job tasks and why you are unable to perform them.
6. Keep in Touch
Maintain regular communication with your case manager by email.
Update them about upcoming appointments and when new medical information will be available.
Active participation strengthens your case!
7. Stay Informed on Your Rights
Review Articles 20.12 – 20.15 of the Collective Agreement to understand your rights and responsibilities during the appeal process.

read more here

Thank you to All Members that participated in the September/October Strike Action from September 25^th to October 11^th, 2025. We had strong numbers at all of our Picketing Locations

Thank you to all Picketing Members, Picket Captains, and Zone Coordinators, Officers, and All the volunteers for the Strike Pay Committee!

The Strike Pay Committee is working hard to get all the picket sign in sheets inducted, verified and cheques written up for week 2. We are anticipating to have them ready Thursday afternoon, to be sent out to the facilities Members Home Station/Facility.

Week 3 cheques will follow after, as we verify and process.

Thank you for your patience as we work through everything while we transition out of strike and into regular work times with a long weekend in the time frame.

All Discrepancies can be emailed to [email protected] and will be addressed in turn.

In Solidarity,

Kevin Biggs

Secretary Treasurer

Canadian Union of Postal Workers

Vancouver Local 846

As of Now the Vancouver Local will be returning to work tmrw Saturday at 6am.

All Members  from shift 1 who are scheduled to work please report at 6am tmrw on Saturday October 11t for the remainder of your shift which is till 8am. If you are picketing for 4 hours before going to work you will get strike pay, since we are still on Full Strike till 6am tmrw Saturday October 11th.

For more information please  contact your shop steward or your picket captain.

Thank You.

Vancouver  Local Executive.