Postal workers across Canada are bracing for a lockout or strike that could begin as early as July 2.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) held strike votes across the country over the past several weeks, with the last day of voting on June 26.
CUPW Local 818, which includes Innisfail, held its vote in Red Deer June 18.
“The strike vote is basically to tell our negotiating committee (in Ottawa) that we stand behind them,” said Barbara Lilly, president of CUPW Local 818. “(Results) would show that collectively the workers are ready to take action against the employer if they don't respect our rights and demands," she added.
Some of those demands include a wage increase above inflation, equal pay and benefits for rural and suburban mail carriers and full job security for all regular employees.
Canada Post tabled its most recent offer over the weekend, with intentions of avoiding a work disruption.
“As we have said throughout negotiations our goal is to reach negotiated agreements that are fair for our employees while also reflecting the changing nature of our business and the needs of our customers,” said Serge Pitre, vice-president, sales Canada Post Corporation, in an email.
The offer included rollbacks, inadequate proposals and failed to address many of CUPW's demands -- particularly one agreement for both urban and rural and suburan mail carriers, noted Lilly.
“CUPW is not allowing concessions,” said Lilly. “We have an agenda of our demands -- uniting the collective agreement is our top priority. At this point, we're not swaying at all from that agenda.
“Everybody understandably is very upset by that offer. It's very unfair,” she added. “People are scared. Nobody wants to be locked out; nobody wants to strike."
If locked out, workers will receive strike pay at a fraction of their regular earnings, said Lilly.
In addition to wages and employee benefits – which Canada Post said it will cancel effective July 2, working hours have also been a concern.
"The Red Deer plant has eliminated full-time jobs to bring in casual workers and use casual hours," explained Lilly, noting the change since the 2011 lockout.
"It's probably in the last couple of years that it's really impacted us. If someone retires or quits a full-time position they abolish it and they bring in part-time casual (workers).”
During negotiations CUPW members brought several suggestions to the table that would see Canada Post expand service to the public to help increase profits, noted Lilly, including bringing back postal banking -- a service once used by Canada Post in the 1960s and 1970s.
“The union is still open to talks and I'm hoping Canada Post is too,” said Lilly. “If there's nobody talking you'll be looking at a labour disruption.”
Meanwhile, if there is a work disruption distribution of the Innisfail Province within the towns and communities of Innisfail, Markerville, Bowden and Penhold would not be affected by Canada Post.
For readers outside those communities in the rural areas who receive their newspaper through Canada Post, the Innisfail Province will be increasing the number of copies available at 40 store locations throughout its distribution area where readers can pick up their copies.
Street vending boxes may also be placed strategically in some areas.
Barbara Lilly, president of CUPW Local 818
"People are scared. Nobody wants to be locked out; nobody wants to strike."
