More than 55,000 postal workers with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers went on strike on Friday, Nov. 15, including membership in Cranbrook.
The CUPW has been bargaining for the last year, "with little progress," according to a statement issued by the union following the strike action.
"Our demands are reasonable: fair wages, safe working conditions, the right to retire with dignity, and the expansion of services at the public post office," reads the statement. "Postal workers are proud to serve their communities, and we want to do the job we love. A strike is a last resort. We still believe we can achieve negotiated collective agreements, but Canada Post must be willing to resolve our new and outstanding issues."
The union issued a 72-hour strike notice on Nov. 12.
According to the union, there are various issues to resolve that are specific to urban and rural operations, as well as some common challenges faced by both. Common themes include wage increases in line with inflation and cost of living adjustments (COLA) and improvements to benefit plans, among other items.
Canada Post warned a labour disruption would exacerbate the company's already serious financial situation. It says parcel volumes have declined by 28 per cent this year from the same time last year, which is roughly 1.3 million packages.
The company says it recorded a loss of operations of $490 million in the first half of 2024, and has lost more than $3 billion since 2018.
"To secure the future of the business, the Corporation needs a more flexible and affordable delivery model that allows it to deliver seven days a week and quickly respond to the needs of customers," reads a Canada Post press release issued on Nov. 12. "Without these changes, the significant challenges facing Canada Post will intensify."
