Experts: Public Support for Canada Post Strike Waning as Duration Increases

According to experts, public support plays a critical role in the success of a strike. However, as the Canada Post strike enters its fourth week, maintaining that support may become more challenging.

“As strikes drag on, they become increasingly difficult to sustain, and lack of public backing can be demoralizing for the union,” stated labour professor Larry Savage from Brock University.

With over 55,000 postal workers on strike, federal mediation was halted over two weeks ago due to significant differences between the two parties. Recent exchanges of proposals do not seem to have brought them any closer to a resolution, as both Canada Post and the union have criticized each other’s demands publicly.

Despite calls from the business community for government involvement, Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon has emphasized that the responsibility lies with the parties to come together and negotiate a deal.

At the picket lines, Canada Post workers are receiving support in various forms including coffee, doughnuts, fried chicken, handmade hats and socks, and even turkeys from citizens, as mentioned by Canadian Union of Postal Workers negotiator Jim Gallant.

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Overall, public opinion on the strike seems divided. Savage noted that it’s unclear which party is winning the public support battle.

Recent data from an Angus Reid poll conducted during the third week of the strike showed that 34 percent of Canadians sided with Canada Post, 29 percent supported the union, and the rest were undecided or did not support either side.

Social media posts reflect this mixed sentiment, with some expressing frustration due to disruptions while others show solidarity with the striking workers.

Adam King, an assistant professor at the University of Manitoba, highlighted the difference between online discourse and real-world support, mentioning the considerable effort required to show up at a picket line compared to posting a comment online.

King observed significant support for CUPW at the picket lines in Winnipeg from both the labor movement and the public.

Both King and Savage noted a recent trend of increased public support for striking workers, even within the public sector where historically support has been lower.

Despite potential shifts in public opinion as the strike continues, maintaining support is crucial, especially with the approaching holiday season.

While pressure mounts for both parties to reach a resolution, business associations have called for government intervention to mitigate the impact on businesses during the festive season.

However, Savage emphasized that strikes are intended to disrupt normal business operations to compel employers to negotiate, even though they may risk alienating the public.

Bridging the gap between union demands and public interests is crucial, according to Savage, but it’s a delicate balance.

Bea Bruske from the Canadian Labour Congress emphasized the importance of public support for workers during strikes, underscoring its role in boosting morale and pressuring employers.

As the strike prolongs, maintaining momentum and public backing remain essential tasks for labor organizations to ensure a successful resolution.