Canada Post employees have resumed work nationwide on Tuesday, adopting a new strategy of rotating strikes. However, this shift has left many businesses dissatisfied with the ongoing job action.
Representing over 100,000 small- and medium-sized businesses across the country, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has expressed frustration with the uncertainty brought about by the strikes.
Ryan Mitton, the federation’s director of legislative affairs for B.C., acknowledged that while rotating strikes are preferable to a complete shutdown, many small businesses have already started moving away from Canada Post due to its perceived unreliability. Mitton emphasized the importance of implementing proposed reforms to ensure the postal service’s longevity.
Highlighting the significance of Canada Post’s affordability for small businesses, Mitton stressed the need for sustainable and dependable service, noting the distress caused to businesses and artists who rely on timely mail deliveries.
Federal Minister Joël Lightbound welcomed the shift to rotating strikes by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) as negotiations between the union and Canada Post continue, recognizing the essential role of mail delivery for Canadians.
The recent changes announced by Canada Post, including the phasing out of door-to-door mail delivery and service frequency reductions, have sparked concerns among both businesses and the union. CUPW initiated a nationwide strike on Sept. 25, following the government’s announcement of operational changes.
With the holiday season approaching, the CFIB emphasizes the adverse impact of ongoing job action on businesses and calls for the government to intervene by granting temporary essential status to Canada Post workers to bring about a swift resolution to the strike.