How to Handle Your Christmas Mailing During the Canada Post Strike Threat
Concerns are rising among consumers and businesses regarding the potential impact of a strike or lockout by Canada Post employees during the holiday season.
At 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 15, Canada Post workers are expected to go on strike. There is also a possibility of a lockout by Canada Post, as announced in a Nov. 12 news release by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW).
Both scenarios could disrupt mail deliveries during the holiday season, prompting Canadians to make contingency plans, according to Corinne Pohlmann, the executive VP of advocacy at the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses.
“If it is about delivery services, then look at alternative delivery services,” Pohlmann advised in an interview with The Epoch Times.
She noted that many small businesses have expressed concerns about potential delivery issues affecting customer purchases.
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CUPW issued a 72-hour strike notice on Nov. 12. Canada Post responded with a lockout notice for 8 a.m. on Nov. 15 in the absence of agreements.
As of Nov. 14, CUPW stated to The Epoch Times in an email that negotiations are ongoing.
“We have strong negotiators who know the issues. CUPW’s goal is to get a negotiated collective agreement,” the statement said.
CUPW highlighted concerns related to wages, health and safety, retirement, and the expansion of services.
“CUPW members have given us an overwhelming strike mandate and we are still considering our options for a potential strike,” CUPW added.
The bargaining between the two parties has been ongoing for nearly a year. Canada Post’s latest contract offer included an 11.5 percent annual wage increase over four years, along with protections for benefit pensions, job security, and health benefits for current employees. Nonetheless, the offer was rejected by the union.
Canada Post stated its intention to provide services during a strike but cautioned customers to anticipate delays in mail and parcel deliveries.
Alternative options for Canadians to consider include courier services like Purolater, which informed The Epoch Times of its preparations for increased demand.
“We have been monitoring the situation and have plans in place to manage a potential surge in volume. We anticipate that our network and service will remain unaffected,” Purolater conveyed in a statement to The Epoch Times.
Canada Post mentioned an agreement with the union to continue delivering government cheques to Canadians in case of a labor disruption, as detailed on its website.
“The agreement ensures that government financial assistance distributed by mail will reach seniors and other Canadians who depend on it,” the website affirmed.
The upcoming cheques are anticipated on Nov. 20.
Pohlmann emphasized that many businesses also depend on cheques for vendor payments and should explore alternative payment methods.
“In terms of payments, consider other ways for customers to pay you,” she recommended, suggesting e-transfers for smaller amounts.
Jennifer Cowan contributed to this report.
