Small businesses in Winnipeg preparing for another potential postal strike

Small business owners in Winnipeg who rely heavily on shipping are frantically planning, as the second nationwide Canada Post strike in six months looms Friday. 

Canada Post announced on Wednesday that a new offer to the union representing workers, which includes a 13.59 per cent wage increase compounded over four years.

Employees would also keep their health and post-retirement benefits, defined benefit pension, and paid vacation time up to seven weeks. The two parties have until Friday at noon Eastern time to come to an agreement before CUPW hits the picket line.

“I totally sympathise with the workers, workers should be getting what they deserve and to have a livable wage, but at the same time, we do rely a lot on shipping orders and people from out of town,” said Ruby Rain, the store manager of Bearface General Store.

Rain says the store ships over 100 orders a year, and the postal strike in the fall forced them to hand-deliver many of their orders.

“Yeah, it does mess things up for us, I mean it’s a big part of our income, and that year that would be huge, so yeah, I am worried about it,” said Rain.

Samantha Hobson, with Flag Shop, says she has already been preparing, having learned to diversify shipping options from the strike since months ago. While she’s worried about her own businesses, she’s also concerned for those who live outside the city.

“It does take away from the day-to-day running off a business. When you’re then having to shift and navigate, trying to find an economical shipper,” said Hobson.

“People who live in rural districts that Canada Post is a major contributor to them getting products, to them getting their mail. Not everyone gets online bills, there’s still elderly folks that want to get it by mail and not have to use computers. So year it’s a big issue not just for small businesses but Canada as a whole.”