Olds & District Chamber of Commerce vice-president Vicky Barzey says the federal government did what it had to do this past weekend by trying to pass legislation forcing striking postal workers back to work if they didn't come to a contract agreement with Canada Post.
"I mean, I'm not a lover of our current government at this point, but I don't know that they really have any choice with Christmas coming around the corner. That's got to be their motivating factor," she said.
However, she believes the fact members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) went on rotating strikes — in which strikes occurred in a few communities, then service resumed and strikes took place at others — meant the strike hasn't had as big an impact as it otherwise might have.
"They didn't just all of a sudden shut down and strike. It would have had a bigger impact," Barzay said.
Barzey runs Expedia Cruiseship Centers in Olds. She said the impact on her business has been so minimal she barely realized it was occurring at all.
She can see where the strikes could have an impact on some local businesses but believes it's likely been more of a problem for residents trying to send out Christmas presents.
"The amount that I use Canada Post is minimal. I have tickets that need to go out, so I'm kind of leery about that, but I'll back it up with an edoc of the same ticket," she said.
Barzey doubts this will be the last straw for local retailers — that they'll use couriers instead of Canada Post — because she says couriers are more expensive.
Besides, Barzey says she has a soft spot for Canada Post.
"I still love the post office. As crazy as it is, I love going there," she said. "It's kind of been the heartbeat of all the small towns. "
