Postal 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.”
Airdrie residents looking to utilize mail services should do so prior to potential shutdown dates. To ensure delivery by June 30, local mail and Canada Post Lettermail should be mailed by June 23, while local parcels should be mailed by June 27.
“Anyone looking to mail anything still has time but they should keep an eye on the dates. They may want to use a faster mode as they get closer to the end of next week,” Hamilton said. “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.”
Some Canada Post franchises may remain open to sell stamps and other post materials, but will not be accepting 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.
Airdrie City View readers residing in Airdrie will still have papers delivered to their doors in the event of a mail disruption. Rural readers can pick up copies of the Airdrie City View at local drop-off locations.
