Postal Workers' Strike Sends Clear Message, Says Union President
The transition from daily job actions to rotating strikes has not weakened the message from postal workers in the Peace region, according to the union’s local president. Babe Seguin, president of Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) local chapter 738, told Energeticcity.ca that workers have been participating in daily strikes since September to raise awareness about potential closures of rural post offices. They have now moved to rotating strikes.
Post Offices at Risk
Postal offices in Altona, Buick, Cecil Lake, Charlie Lake, Clayhurst, Montney, Prespatou, Rose Prairie, Tumbler Ridge, and retail offices in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John face possible closure. These offices were previously protected by a moratorium, which may be lifted due to proposed cutbacks to mail services.
Canada Post’s Response
Canada Post’s media department stated that Lightbound has been given 45 days to develop a plan to implement a series of measures introduced by the federal government in early September. These measures focus on:
- Prioritizing service
- Minimizing public impact by proceeding thoughtfully
- Treating employees with respect
- Keeping the public informed
- Adjusting flexibly to the evolving needs of Canadian postal users
A statement from Canada Post said the “plan is being finalized and will be shared as directed with the government in advance of the deadline.”
Summary: Postal workers have shifted to rotating strikes to highlight threats to rural offices amid Canada Post's pending service cuts, while a government-mandated plan is being finalized to address these challenges.