Postal Workers Strike Raises Awareness of Rural Office Closures
Babe Seguin, president of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) local chapter 738, told Energeticcity.ca that postal workers' strikes since September aim to shed light on the potential closure of rural post offices.
Strike Actions and Locations Affected
The union initially engaged in daily job actions, which have now shifted to rotating strikes without weakening their message, according to Seguin. Several post offices in the Peace region face possible closure, including:
- Altona
- Buick
- Cecil Lake
- Charlie Lake
- Clayhurst
- Montney
- Prespatou
- Rose Prairie
- Tumbler Ridge
- Retail offices in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John
These offices were previously protected under a moratorium, but the protection might be removed amid proposed cutbacks to mail services.
Canada Post’s Response
Canada Post’s media department indicated that Minister Lightbound has been given 45 days to present a plan to implement federal government measures announced in early September. The plan includes:
- Prioritizing service delivery
- Proceeding carefully to reduce public impact
- Treating employees with respect
- Keeping the public informed
- Adapting flexibly to the evolving needs of Canadians utilizing postal services
“It involves prioritizing service, proceeding thoughtfully so the impact on the public is minimized, treating employees with respect, keeping the public informed and being flexible in adjusting to the ‘revolving needs’ of the Canadian public with the postal service.”
Summary
The postal workers' strike effectively highlights critical concerns about rural post office closures, prompting ongoing negotiations about service adjustments and employee treatment.