Canada Post workers picket in Montreal, as they walk off the job across the country

Canada Post workers abruptly walked off the job Thursday and set up picket lines across the country, over Ottawa’s call to end home delivery.

“In response to the government’s attack on our postal service and workers, effective immediately, all CUPW members at Canada Post are on a nationwide strike,” the CUPW union wrote in a statement.

In Montreal, workers were picketing outside the Bridge street office on Friday morning.

“The goal of the strike is to bring attention to the real issues and to try to uncover the truth behind the numbers that have been reported for the last seven years, all the losses,” said Lorraine Muller, a letter carrier for Canada Post.

“I’m ready to stay on strike for as long as it takes to get the answers from an independent person about what’s really going on.”

This all came hours after the federal government gave Canada Post the green light to significantly pull back on mail delivery service over the span of a few years.

CUPW Prince George president Nicole Chouinard says they’re appalled by the development, and workers are sad and frustrated with how they’ve been treated.

“This is a David-and-Goliath situation, and we have felt defeated for a long time,” Chouinard said.

“Every time we turn around, we are taking another hit.”

For businesses, delays mean lost orders and shaken customer confidence.

“I was upset, there wasn’t a lot of warning, so I couldn’t get customers purchases out to them fast enough and now I’m going to have customers purchases sitting in store waiting for the strike to be over,” said Graeme Anthony, the co-owner of Lopez.

Muller, who has worked for Canada Post for 17 years, says she understands the frustration from business owners.

“We haven’t had a negotiated contract since 2011, we’ve been living under an insecure, unstable situation vis-a-vis our employer and so we can completely relate to the insecurity that a company could feel when they count on Canada Post,” said Muller.

But workers and business owners say their frustration goes beyond delivery delays and points the finger at Ottawa.

“I really think the government needs to look at Canada Post in a different, not as a business that needs to operate on on making money but just really as a basic service that the government provides for its citizens,” said Anthony.

Muller adding, “I want a light to be shown on the mis… The misdeeds of at least the management of Canada Post. If not the complacent slash complicit deeds or inactions of the government. I want it all to come to light.”

Outside the picket lines some Montrealers say they feel the impact directly in their wallets.

“Look I just sent something and it cost me $75 for two envoloppes with a private company…. So Canada Post’s services are definitely more affordable,” said Diane, a Montrealer CityNews spoke to.

Camille, another Montrealer saying, “I support you. But yeah, it can be difficult for us and fortunately, the people who make decisions sometimes they’re not the one where the more impacted by the strike.”

Others question whetherthere’s even a need for Canada post anymore.

“Tomorrow mail will disappear, We’re going to a future world. It’s 2025. And, you know, getting mail, it’s like… It doesn’t exist,” said Yves, a Montrealer.

Strike is bad news says Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Pascal Chan, vice-president of strategic policy and supply chains for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, says another strike is not welcome, after years of repeated supply chain disruptions.

“Canadians are counting on Canada Post to deliver,” Chan said.

“The Canadian Chamber calls for a return to the bargaining table and a commitment to good-faith negotiation focused on how to best support consumers and businesses.”

What the CUPW’s offers would do according to Canada Post

Canada Post believes that the CUWP’s stance on the government’s reforms will further deteriorate the company’s financial situation, noting that since 2018, Canada Post has seen over $5 billion in losses from operations.

They say the union’s offers to the federal government will be detrimental to the company.

The CUPW reportedly wants an additional $700 million per year in operating costs over the next four years and more time off for personal days, increasing the total by four up to 17.

Additionally, the CUPW is looking to eliminate or restrict contracted services, by hiring those services to be CUPW-represented employees, while also restrcting the ability to adapt operations to current needs.

Lastly, the CUPW would reportedly like to protect pay for time not worked, meaning that if a carrier finishes their delivery route early, they still get paid for a full eight hours.

“There is no persuasive case to be made that any business – especially an effectively insolvent business – should be put in a situation where it must pay people for eight hours a day and not be able to reassign them to other work should they finish early (or where it is anticipated they will do so),” said Canada Post in a statement.

“We support the reforms announced by the government, which will allow our country’s national postal service to chart a strong, financially sustainable path forward that better meets the evolving needs of Canadians.”

Deliveries of socio-economic cheques, live animals will continue

Canada Post says CUPW has agreed to continue delivering socio-economic cheques during any labour disruption. This applies to payments from “eligible and participating government organizations,” it says.

“The agreement ensures government financial assistance delivered by mail will reach seniors and other Canadians who rely on it,” it said.

As well, an exception is being made for some live-animal deliveries.

“A process is in place to ensure existing live animal shipments continue during a labour disruption; however, no new shipments will be accepted,” Canada Post said.

With files from The Canadian Press.