The new CUPW film Justice and Dignity for All, which details the 40-year struggle of RSMCs to gain working rights and pay, premiered virtually on Sunday, October 25th. Despite COVID restrictions relegating us to a virtual premiere, the event was well attended by members across the country. The premiere included not only the screening of the 34-minute film, but also a panel discussion with some of the sisters that took part in the documentary. The bilingual premiere was emceed by our National President, Sister Jan Simpson.
This film celebrates the victory of CUPW and RSMCs in their long-desired bid to be treated as equals to their Urban counterparts. Director Michael Ostroff said: “Before there were gig workers, there were…rural route mail couriers…There were no benefits, no sick leave, no maternity leave, and remuneration that was less than the minimum wage.” This film is a factually based account of how bad the situation was for rural mail carriers, but more importantly, a testimony to the power of solidarity and collective action.