Unionized Canada Post employees gathered along Lynden Road and Woodyatt Drive Friday morning, as part of a national strike action, just before the corporation’s busiest season.
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While the Canadian Union of Postal Workers says it’s been bargaining for a year with “little progress”, the Crown corporation says the strike will significantly impact millions of Canadians, small businesses and charities through the holidays.
“Mail and parcels will not be processed or delivered for the duration of the national strike,” said Canada Post spokesperson Lisa Liu Friday morning, adding that the strike will affect services “well after” it ends.
Locally, enthusiastic pickets were stationed with signs near the Brantford-Brant Canada Post depot at 17 Woodyatt Dr.
Spokesperson Kamila Mancuso said the 150 employees of Local 508 are “very motivated” toward reaching an agreement.
“It’s not our intention to inconvenience the public or cause stress but we’re looking for public support,” Mancuso said, emphasizing an agreement has been reached to ensure seniors and those on disability support will still receive their checks through a volunteer system.
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“We want the public to be affected as little as possible.”
Mancuso said the concerns of the union include possible cuts to pensions and benefits versus the cost of living and some major changes to how mail is being delivered that are being introduced by the company.
While mail carriers once sorted the deliveries for their own routes, Canada Post has introduced full-time sorters who might sort up to 10 routes in a day, leading to repetitive strains. And those are delivered being exposed to more heat, sun and cold.
“Some serious health and safety concerns are not being addressed and all we’re seeing is the slashing of employees while management is getting bonuses of up to 30 per cent.”
Meanwhile, Brantford City Hall has strongly recommended that people, including vendors who deal with the city, set up an electronic funds transfer system. Invoices can still be dropped off at the customer service counter at 58 Dalhousie St.
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People making payments can do so in person and all are advised not to put any checks or documents in the mail until the strike ends.
For those expecting Ontario Works cheques, clients are urged to register for direct bank deposits by contacting a coordinator at 519-759-3330.
Checks can be picked up, with photo ID, at 225 Colborne St.
Tenants in city-owned units must still pay rents on the first of the month and are encouraged to arrange a pre-authorized payment system.
Taxes and utilities can be paid through online banking, at local banks and in person at 58 Dalhousie St.
When that office is closed, there’s a drop box at the side entrance of city hall but the municipality says cash should never be left there.
@EXPSGamble
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