Canada Post workers are on strike — here's how it could affect you
Canada Post workers are now on strike following the government’s announcement of major cost-cutting measures.
The Canada Post strike is in protest of the government’s decision to implement sweeping changes to the Crown corporation. Minister Joël Lightbound outlined these changes during a press conference on Sept. 25.
On the same day, Jan Simpson, national president of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), released a statement saying that Lightbound gave “no indication” that he would announce these changes after meeting with the union last week.
“The minister said he had the ‘utmost respect’ for postal workers. This is no way to show it,” said Simpson.
Changes coming to Canada Post
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Lightbound stated that to cut costs, Canada Post will be transitioning to community mailboxes by converting four million addresses and closing rural post offices. Canada Post will also be able to adjust its delivery standards and raise stamp rates more frequently.
Simpson said that workers are still in the dark about the details of how the service cutbacks will be implemented, calling these measures a “slapdash approach” and an “insult to the public and to postal workers.” She explained that the changes ignore how reduced delivery standards and post office closures could affect mail volumes and overall service. It could also result in massive layoffs.
“These recommendations could result in major job losses. On this, the minister simply dodged questions from reporters,” said Simpson. “In response to the Government’s attack on our postal service and workers, effective immediately, all CUPW members at Canada Post are on a nationwide strike.”
Canada Post released a statement saying it was “disappointed” that the union chose to go on strike, adding that this would “further deteriorate Canada Post’s financial situation.”
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce said that the strike is “not welcome news.”
“The Canadian Chamber calls for a return to the bargaining table and a commitment to good faith negotiation focused on how to best support consumers and businesses,” it stated.
How will Canadians be affected?
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While Canada Post workers are on strike, operations will shut down. As a result, mail and parcels won’t be processed or delivered during that time, and some post offices will be closed.
Canada Post won’t be accepting any new items during the strike. In addition, service guarantees are suspended for items that are already in the postal network. Mail and parcels will be delivered once operations resume; however, the corporation warns that it may take time for processing and delivery to fully return to normal.
Despite the strike, Canada Post and CUPW have agreed to continue delivering socio-economic cheques.
“The agreement ensures government financial assistance delivered by mail will reach seniors and other Canadians who rely on it,” states Canada Post.
Shipping for live animals will also continue, but the corporation won’t accept new shipments.