As you all know, our siblings at PSAC’s Union of National Defence Employees (UNDE) began their strike today. These are hundreds of civilian staff working across six military bases in Ontario and Quebec who provide important services in support of our military and their families. Read more here.
We are calling on you, CAPE members across the country, to express your solidarity where you can.
Standing up for these workers will go a long way in increasing pressure on the employer in this negotiation, garnering public support, and helping them secure a better deal.
>> Join us in solidarity!
In the early days of the strike, there are many ways to support workers on strike.
You can:
- Drop off or send hot drinks, food, or hand and feet warmers – check ahead with the location as numbers and timing can vary with the weather.
- Donate to a strike fund if one is created in the future. CAPE will keep you up to date when we hear of one.
- Use this digital poster (which you can also print), and Teams/Zoom background. Note that your employer could ask you not to use them at work.
- Write to your MP to express your dissatisfaction with how the government is treating these workers who just want a fair wage and better job security so that they don’t have to work two jobs to make ends meet.
The CAPE national office is currently putting together a more developed strike solidarity package with instructions for locals and regional members on how to most effectively support UNDE when they need it most.
>>ATTENTION: Standing with strikers during non-working hours
You can support your colleagues by joining a picket line during off-work hours, such as before or after work or on your lunch break. The timing and locations may change as the strike goes on, so please double-check before you go, and stay tuned for further updates.
While you are encouraged to show your solidarity, including by joining picket lines during non-work hours, you must still report for work on the hours that you are scheduled and continue to perform your duties. Remember that the employer will still hold you to their code of conduct while you support UNDE on the picket lines, so be mindful of that.
More information will follow in the coming days, stay tuned!
