Canada Post labour dispute could take effect on Saturday

CTV Kitchener: Canada Post disruption possible A work stoppage among mail carriers and other unionized Canada Post staff could be just days away.

If you’ve been waiting to send a letter or parcel, you may want to do so before a potential Canada Post labour dispute takes effect.

The Crown Corporation and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers are at odds over a new contract. That means about 40,000 CUPW members could go on strike on Saturday.

Union officials say both sides are still far from reaching a deal, adding that Canada Post has failed to address 24 negotiating points. This includes wage increase and the return of door-to-door delivery in all places where it has been removed.

The current contract expired last summer.

“Any mail and parcels within the postal system during a work disruption will be secured and delivered as quickly as possible once operations resume,” Canada Post said in a statement on Monday.

Some municipalities and corporations are already taking steps to ensure important mail doesn’t get lost in the dispute.

The Township of Georgian Bay stopped mailing social assistance cheques and drug benefit cards on Monday. Instead, people can pick up cheques, statements and cards at community services offices and at the township municipal office.

Anyone concerned they won’t receive important letters or parcels should get in touch with the organization sending the mail.

With files from CTV Kitchener.