CUPW organizes in courier industry

WHAT: CUPW announces organizing drive with Dynamex courier drivers

WHEN: ongoing

When was the last time you got a paid holiday?

EDMONTON, Aug. 18 /CNW/ - The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has
launched a campaign to organize drivers at Dynamex Inc. in Edmonton.
A recent court decision granted Dynamex and other similar couriers the
right to organize and access other protections from the Canada Labour Code.
The Edmonton campaign is part of a nation-wide strategy by CUPW to offer
unionization to Dynamex courier drivers.
"This is a landmark step," says organizer Andrew Gillespie. "Until
recently these workers did not even have basic employment rights, and now if
they band together they may be able to significantly improve their working
conditions."
Dynamex drivers in Edmonton currently have minimal job security and
receive no vacation or statutory holiday pay, even though they are legally
entitled to these benefits. Dynamex drivers in Saskatoon and Winnipeg have
joined CUPW and have negotiated much better contracts. The unionization
campaign has been gaining momentum and organizers are confident drivers will
make significant gains. Drivers are encouraged to contact organizer Andrew
Gillespie at 780-619-5655.

Background:

Dynamex classifies its courier drivers as "independent contractors".
Independent contractor status is meant for people who have substantial control
and autonomy over their working conditions, yet it is frequently used by
employers seeking to avoid employer legal responsibilities. A recent Federal
Court of Canada decision (Dynamex vs. Mamona: 2003) upheld the category of
"dependent contractors" allowing workers in the courier industry to access the
rights and protections of the Canada Labour Code while retaining their tax
status as contractors. "This decision has significantly altered the legal
landscape for couriers", according to Dave Miller, Dynamex driver and
organizer.