THUNDER BAY — A potential disruption of postal service likely has some members of the business community feeling a little anxious.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers has given Canada Post a 72-hour strike notice, meaning members could walk off the job as early as Friday unless the parties agree to the terms of a new collective agreement.
"I think it's really concerning around the timing. This is going into the big mail season," said Charla Robinson, president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce. "Going into the holiday season, a lot of folks may be shipping things that they're purchasing locally, or businesses are getting orders and shipping them to customers out in the region...Certainly a long-term strike will have an impact on those shipments."
Robinson acknowledged many businesses have moved their payment systems and collections of receivables to the e-transfer method, so these would not be affected by a strike.
She also noted that businesses have other options for shipments, although in some communities Canada Post might be more convenient.
"I know that businesses will be looking to those other options to see what's available right now. It certainly does add a concern for Canada Post. If you lose those customers, can you get them back?"
The CUPW strike notice issued Tuesday covers both the union's urban and rural bargaining units representing letter carriers.
But it said whether any job action actually happens Friday depends on what Canada Post does at the negotiating table over the next few days.
In a statement, the crown corporation said that if there are rotating strikes it intends to continue mail delivery while still working to get a negotiated settlement.
But it added that the threat of a labour disruption has already significantly eroded volumes, and has escalated "the negative financial impact on the company."
Last week, after CUPW announced a strike mandate, parcel volumes fell by 28 per cent compared with the same week last year.
"A labour disruption would...deepen the company's already serious financial situation," Canada Post warned Tuesday.
It has lost more than $3 billion since 2018, and has said it needs a more flexible business model including the capacity to deliver evenings and on weekends.
The union is seeking assurances this model won't impact its members' existing regular, full-time routes.
Other contentious issues centre on wage increases and benefits, including CUPW's desire to improve short-term disability coverage.
“Despite our best efforts, the parties remain far apart on many issues,” the union said.
In the event of a strike, Canada Post and CUPW have agreed that socio-economic cheques to seniors and other recipients will continue to be delivered.
