Canada Post workers have resumed delivering mail in most parts of the country, but services remain interrupted in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John.
That’s because the union representing more than 55,000 Canada Post employees ended its nationwide strike last week, shifting to a rotating strike model.
“Because we’re on strike as part of the rotating strike strategy, door-to-door delivery has been postponed for now. Mail is just sitting as it is in Dawson Creek,” said Aaron Loset, Secretary-Treasurer of CUPW Local 724.
Four rural postal offices across the country have gone on strikes since Saturday, including two in the Peace Region.
“Our decision to move to rotating strikes reflects our commitment to the public, charities, businesses, and our members,” the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) said in a statement.
Margaret Austin, president of CUPW Local 724, said smaller offices are striking first because the latest offer puts them at risk.
“Their idea is to eliminate smaller postal offices in rural communities. We are surrounded by rural indigenous communities, and they rely on us as the hub,” said Austin.
Loset said Dawson Creek being one of the first location to strike shows how important that postal office is.
He said all mail heading north passes through Dawson Creek, and small communities between the city and Whitehorse, Yukon, would be affected if the office were to close.
Canada post’s latest offer was rejected by 70 percent of union members. Austin said the Crown Corporation’s proposal would not only eliminate small rural post offices but also gradually remove door-to-door services.
Canada Post said its offer is reasonable and treats employees fairly, given the challenges the company faces.
“The company is waiting to hear back from the union on its latest offers presented to the union on October 3,” it said.
This latest strike began after the federal government announced plans last month to restructure the Crown corporation. It is projected to lose $1.5 billion in 2025 and is currently operating with the help of a $1 billion federal loan.
Loset added that it doesn’t feel like Canada Post is negotiating in good faith with the union.
Austin said she doesn’t know when mail delivery will resume in Dawson Creek, as the union doesn’t announce rotating strike locations in advance.
She said she hopes the union will receive a proper offer soon, because her employees are ready to return to work and help serving the community.
“CUPW has a long history of winning major gains for postal workers through rotating strikes,” the union said.