Winnipeggers react to Canada Post strike

Postal works can be seen on strike outside Canada Post offices in Winnipeg and across the country as of Friday morning, and it’s caused worry for some Winnipeggers and the potential delays it could cause throughout the holiday season.

“Of course, we are all disappointed because of course it is the Christmas season and we want to receive something and we won’t give something,” said one Winnipegger.

Another saying, “You have loved ones expect that card to come to them, some good words come to them, that will be very hard for them.”

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As of Friday, mail and parcels won’t be processed or delivered, but the Manitoba government says they are currently finalizing details to ensure people will have access to essential mail services.

In regard to the strike ending, Canadian Union of Postal Workers Winnipeg President, Sean Tugby, says they need to see big changes to come to an agreement.

“We deliver Christmas to Canadians, most delivery companies stop at the border, we deliver to every small community in the entire country,” said Tugby.

“The ask that we have are in line with inflation and in line with keeping the same benefits we all seem to enjoy and giving that up for the next generation is not an option for us.”

Myron May, a picket captain added, “We want Canada Post to get serious at the table, they haven’t been so far and it’s been a year of stalling tactics, of not being serious about issues that need to be dealt with, and again the ball is in Canada Post’s court.”

For local businesses, the strike is coming at one of their busiest times of year.

“It’s definitely nerve-wracking to have this kind of looming over you and trying to figure out alternative options to be able to ship, UPS is generally the second option that we go with but to ship internationally it’s a lot more expensive than Canada Post,” said Regan Boueti, the founder of Style Bar.

Loren Remillard, the president of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce added, “Because that demand is going to rise, we anticipate the cost of shipping on those items is going to rise so for the cost of business that’s going to increase which means it’s passed onto the consumer which may affect their spending decisions.”