Post service could be disrupted by July 2 if Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) do not reach an agreement on new contracts.
The two sides have been negotiating since late 2015, according to Canada Post spokesperson Jon Hamilton.
“We’re still at the table working to get a deal, and we’re looking for a deal for our employees that is affordable to the corporation and doesn’t put a burden on our customers,” Hamilton said. “Obviously, we’re doing everything to avoid the strike.”
Mike Palecek, national president of CUPW, said Canada Post has requested “major concessions” from the union.
“Obviously, (a lockout) would be a major disruption to our members’ lives,” he said. “That’s certainly not the direction that we’d like to see. But every indication is that management intends to lock us out in early July.”
Residents are encouraged to use other means of sending mail and parcels for the remainder of June.
“In the event of a large-scale work disruption, the postal system would not be operating. We wouldn’t be delivering mail or parcels nor accepting them,” Hamilton said.
Some Canada Post franchises may remain open to sell stamps and other post materials, but will not be accepting more parcels or other mail for delivery. Mail and parcels still within the postal system in the event of a disruption will be held and delivered when operations resume.
In the event of a postal disruption, readers of Rocky View Weekly can pick up copies at designated retail drop-off locations. Those with post office box numbers will still receive delivered copies of the Rocky View Weekly.
