Edmonton postal workers picket as CUPW declares Canadawide strike

Hours after Ottawa announced changes to Canada Post to make the service financially viable, Edmonton workers hit the picket lines, joining a nationwide strike.

Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) members in Edmonton hit the picket line moments after a countrywide strike was announced on Thursday.

Workers with signs walked outside the Canada Post location at 149 Street and 121 Avenue shortly after the announcement.

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CUPW announced the strike hours after Ottawa announced door-to-door mail delivery would end for nearly all Canadian households within the next decade.

Procurement Minister Joel Lightbound announced the changes on Thursday in an attempt to reign in the Crown corporation’s finances as letter mail continues to decline.

Lightbound says the company loses $10 million per day, and has relied on government bailouts to stay afloat.

Other changes include more community mailboxes, slower delivery time and hiring part-time staff for weekends.

The union, which has been in negotiations with the company for more than two years, says it was caught off-guard by the changes.

CUPW says the government is creating conditions that will drive down demand for Canada Post’s letter and parcel services.

In an emailed news release, Canada Post said the national strike will cause postal delays for Canadians.

“The corporation is disappointed that the union chose to escalate their strike activity, which will further deteriorate Canada Post’s financial situation,” it read.

It added that Canada Post and CUPW agreed on socio-economic cheques continuing during disruptions.

Existing live animal shipments will also be honoured but new orders will not be accepted.

Government financial assistance delivered by mail will reach “seniors and other Canadians who rely on it,” Canada Post said.

With files from CTVNews.ca and The Canadian Press