Halifax business worried over possible second Canada Post strike

Small businesses worry about the big impact another Canada Post strike could have on the bottom line.

Canada Post workers could be back on the picket lines for the second time in six months, which has reignited fears for many small businesses.

Ellen Giberson, store manager for Earth Goddess Shop, an artisan jewelry and accessories store in Halifax, says the store has been thriving thanks to the recent “buy local” movement.

“It has been incredible. In the past month, we are receiving so much love and are really grateful for that,” says Giberson.

She believes another postal strike could threaten that success.

“This time is potentially going to be a little bit worse of an impact for us because the store owner has moved to Ottawa. That means I am receiving multiple packages a week from her with new inventory,” says Giberson.

Joel Tote, chief growth officer at Merchant Growth, said the strike could be another blow to small businesses that are still recovering from recent setbacks.

“Two strikes in six months, tariffs, multiple government policy changes... It’s a lot of stress. It’s a lot of pressure for small businesses,” says Tote. “It’s just incredibly critical. And, yes, it (happened) around the holiday season (last time), but small businesses rely on Canada Post and delivery for all of their businesses every single day. So, holidays aside, it is still a very, very impactful and disruptive.”

The union representing postal workers says going on strike was their last resort in efforts to reach a fair deal.

“We’re aware of the effect it has on small business, the community, the charities…(and)the public in general. There is nothing that we take lightly, nothing that we enjoy doing. But at the end of the day, what we’re fighting for is fair wages, improved health and safety, the right to retire with dignity and to improve expansion of services for public post office.” says Dwayne Corner, president of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.

Giberson says she hopes postal workers can come to a quick resolution.

“I know they work hard and its a non-stop job. I do hope they don’t have to strike at all and if they do, that they get what they need quickly,” she says.

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