The Canadian postal workers wildcat strike 1965

During 1955-1965 the volume of mail posted in Canada more than doubled. The number of postal workers did not - instead, the bosses forced workers to double their speed, work extra hours without overtime pay, and often forced to work over twelve hours a day. In order to keep up such a gruelling work rate – supervisors subjected workers to constant threats, bullying, and harassment.

Workers were represented by the 'close to useless' trade union - the CPEA. The union had no collective bargaining rights, and refused to even attempt to negotiate on the workers behalf.

Workers across Montreal and Vancouver started to organise on a rank and file basis outside of the official trade union.

In July 1965, workers across more than 30 cities walked off the job in wildcat strikes. They postal workers received massive public support, and despite interference from the employers, the government, and their own union – they won a huge victory, receiving huge pay rises, and much improved working conditions. The union collapsed, and two brand new unions were formed.

This documentary is the story of the workers and their strike in 1965.

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