Canada Post has shut down all operations across the country after the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) declared a nation-wide strike Thursday.
CUPW announced the strike after the federal Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, Joël Lightbound, ordered Canada Post to plan major changes in the way it does business, including the end of door-to-door mail delivery.
In a statement, Lightbound said Canada Post is a “national institution, older than our country itself,” that has been serving Canadians for more than 150 years.
“Canadians continue to rely on it today, and it remains a vital public service,” he said.
At the same time, Lightbound said Canada Post is facing an “existential crisis,” with billions of dollars in losses over the past seven years and mail volumes dropping.
“This situation is unsustainable,” Lightbound said. “Canada Post is effectively insolvent, and repeated bailouts are not a long-term solution.
“Transformation is required to ensure the survival of Canada Post and protect the services Canadians rely on.”
Lightbound “instructed” Canada Post to begin that transformation by implementing several measures: relaxed standards for mail delivery, the conversion of all remaining door-to-door delivery customers to community mailboxes, and the lifting of the moratorium that has been in place since 1994 on the closing of rural post offices.
“The government of Canada is removing long-standing barriers to reform, but leadership and structural change from within the corporation will be essential,” Lightbound said.
“Canada Post must take decisive action to deliver the services Canadians need in a way that is financially sustainable. As our government reviews its balance sheets so we can spend less and invest more, we are asking Canada Post to do the same.”
Reports suggested Canada Post has 45 days to come back to the federal government with a plan to implement the changes.
Canada Post welcomed Lightbound’s announcement, saying the measures will “allow our country’s national postal service to chart a strong, financially sustainable path forward that supports the changing needs of Canadians.”
But CUPW said Lightbound’s announcement was an “outrage” and his recommendations will only “undermine public service” and lead to “major job losses.”
CUPW said it would “fight back.”
“We cannot accept this attack on good jobs and public services,” CUPW national president Jan Simpson said in a statement.
“Let’s now turn our efforts to making sure the government and Canada Post hear us loud and clear. We have done it before. We will do it again.”
Canada Post said it is “disappointed that the union chose to escalate their strike activity, which will further deteriorate Canada Post’s financial situation.”
The corporation said an agreement with CUPW means that it will continue the delivery of “socio-economic cheques during any labour disruption, for eligible and participating government organizations.”
“The agreement ensures government financial assistance delivered by mail will reach seniors and other Canadians who rely on it.”
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) said the impact of the strike on small business will be “massive.”
“Last year’s strike alone cost small firms over $1 billion,” the CFIB said. “Doing this in the lead-up to the critical holiday retail shipping season is especially troubling.”
Still, the organization said, the federal government “must push forward with the needed changes” ordered by Minister Lightbound. “Now is not the time to turn back.”
“Small firms are still strong users of Canada Post, and a new business model can be quickly implemented if government gives the corporation the labour market protection it needs to get the job done.”
Meanwhile, CFIB says Canada needs some form of “temporary or permanent essential services legislation” to ensure service continues while the postal reforms are going into effect.
“Small firms are counting on government and all political parties to make this happen.”
North Renfrew Times
With CUPW having declared a full postal strike, delivery of the NRT next Wednesday will be disrupted.
Local subscribers will be able to pick up their copies of the paper from the NRT office at 8 Glendale Ave, Deep River.
The office will remain open extended hours to allow for pickup.
Local and out of town subscribers may also request a copy of the newspaper in digital format by email.
Copies of the newspaper will be available in local stores as usual, and delivery to regular online subscribers will not be affected.
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