Postal workers strike halts mail and parcel delivery across Canada

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – Residents of the Peace River region can expect to experience mail and parcel delivery interruptions as Canada Post workers go on strike following a year of unsuccessful negotiations. 

Around 55,000 workers at Canada Post have gone on strike as of November 15th, a move that is expected to cause delays and other disruptions to mail and parcel delivery mere weeks ahead of the holiday shopping season. 

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers claims minimal progress has been made during the year of bargaining with the crown corporation, a point which Labour Minister Steve MacKinnon agreed with on November 15th. 

MacKinnon stated that each day brings ‘a new series of issues,’ which continue to complicate efforts to find a resolution. 

Godwin Smith, a member of the Ottawa local union, stated workers are prepared to stay out as long as it takes. 

“We’re just on strike for a fair wage, better working conditions and we’re tired of Canada Post coming to the bargaining table and just all the time asking for rollbacks,” Smith stated. 

According to a statement from Canada Post on November 15th, mail and parcels will not be delivered during the strike, and some post offices will be closed, impacting the Crown corporation’s national network. 

Here in Fort St. John, residents are already starting to see the impacts of mail delivery disruptions in a rural community. 

The Fort St. John Co-op has cautioned members that the strike could cause disruptions in monthly bill delivery and is encouraging members to sign up for alternative payment options.

The Co-op is encouraging its members to sign up for payment methods such as direct deposits, electronic funds transfers, automatic monthly withdrawals, and cheque payments.

To go paperless, and have statements emailed rather than mailed, members are encouraged to contact Co-op Administration at 250-785-4471. 

Residents are encouraged to check with their banks and other important services to see if they have received any notifications about mail delivery interruptions and available alternatives. 

With files from the Canadian Press