Postal workers in Sioux Lookout join more than 55,000 of their colleagues in nationwide strike action

Tim Brody - Editor

Postal workers at the Sioux Lookout Post Office, represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), joined more than 55,000 postal workers across the country in nationwide strike action beginning last Friday.
The union shared in a Friday news release, “After a year of bargaining with little progress, postal workers made the difficult decision to strike. Canada Post had the opportunity to prevent this strike, but it has refused to negotiate real solutions to the issues postal workers face every day. Instead, Canada Post left us no choice when it threatened to change our working conditions and leave our members exposed to layoffs. 
“Our demands are reasonable: fair wages, safe working conditions, the right to retire with dignity, and the expansion of services at the public post office. Postal workers are proud to serve their communities, and we want to do the job we love. A strike is a last resort.  We still believe we can achieve negotiated collective agreements, but Canada Post must be willing to resolve our new and outstanding issues.”
“Our goal has always been to reach negotiated collective agreements that support the long-term success of our public post office, while addressing the real issues our members face daily,” said Jan Simpson, CUPW National President, in a Nov. 12 media release.
She added, “Postal workers are the face of the Corporation and some of the most trusted workers in the country. We are proud to serve our communities, and we want to continue to do the job we love.”
Sioux Lookout Post Office Lead Head Colleen Moore shared, “Main concern is wage increase to reflect COLA, keep up with inflation, they want our earned vacation, which is a violation of the Canada Labour Code. We want improvements to our group benefit plan. They want to touch our pension, and we were like, ‘no, hands off.’ Canada Labour Code states that we’re allowed up to 10 days personal time – they gave us seven – where’s my other three? This has been ongoing. They want to touch our short term disability. We want improved protection against technological changes.”
Moore added, “RSMCs which is a rural route carrier that go to the community mailboxes, they’re fighting for job security, pay for time values, improved corporate vehicles would be nice, improved rights for on-call employees, and coverage for our RSMCs,’ Moore added. 
Commenting on how the strike will impact postal services Moore shared, “There’s no mail service incoming or outgoing. Canada Post parcels are not moving. Wherever they are is a standstill until we come back to the table. I’ve heard that they’ve hired a mediator. Let’s just get back to the table and let’s talk this out.”
She added, “Sioux Lookout Post Office employees do appreciate the public support and your patience at this time in this matter. We’re doing the best we can to get Canada Post to negotiate with our union for a fair deal.”
Canada Post shared the following statement with The Bulletin regarding the strike, “Canada Post is disappointed with CUPW’s decision to shut down the postal service with a national strike. 
“This decision will have a significant and immediate impact on millions of Canadians, small businesses and charities who count on Canada Post during the busy holiday season. As well, a national strike by CUPW means service to remote and Northern regions that rely on Canada Post is shut down. 
“Understanding the importance of the service we provide, Canada Post had informed the union, and our customers, that we would continue operating and maintain service in the event of rotating strikes while discussions continue. We are committed to remaining at the table to negotiate new collective agreements.”
Canada Post further commented, “Canada Post is at a critical juncture, losing $3 Billion since 2018 with losses continuing to mount. Even with that, Canada Post has continued to put forward offers that protect and enhance what’s important to our current employees. We’ve offered competitive wage increases (11.5% over 4 years) and additional paid leave, while protecting their defined benefit pension and job security provisions. 
“To help secure the future of the company and grow our parcel business, Canada Post has put forward proposals to offer seven-day-a-week parcel delivery, more competitive pricing and other important improvements. This new delivery model is essential for the future of the company, and critical to our ability to afford the offers.”
Canada Post added, “Mail and parcels will not be processed or delivered for the duration of the national strike, and some post offices will be closed. Service guarantees will be impacted for items already in the postal network. No new items will be accepted until the national disruption is over.
“All mail and parcels in the postal network will be secured and delivered as quickly as possible on a first-in, first-out basis once operations resume. However, a national strike of any length will impact service to Canadians well after the strike activity ends. Processing and delivery may take some time to fully return to normal.”