Djeneba Dosso and Lynne Lavery
Local Journalism Initiative
SHAWVILLE – Local members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) began strike action on Friday, November 15 and continued it on Monday, November 18, after a deal had not been reached with Canada Post following a year of negotiations. CUPW’s actions mean that any processing, delivering or handling of mail will come to a halt. Canada Post did announce some exemptions for paycheques, social insurance cheques and other specified cheques, with delivery after November 20.
According to local strikers in front of the Shawville Post Office, they are “invisible but essential workers.” They added there has been no talk from the union of implementing rotating strike action: “Not this time!” expressed their frutration in the lack of movement in the negotiations. One of the main issues, according to the rural delivery strikers in Shawville, is the number of parcels that they are now required to deliver. One striker noted that on an average day he delivers at least 60 and sometimes as many as 100 parcels in a community that has just over 300 houses.
Postal workers are also seeking better wages and benefits after years without increases. “It’s funny how Canada Post considered us an essential service [during the pandemic] but amidst the increased cost of living and with today’s inflation they’re offering us a 3.5 percent wage increase the first year and then 10 percent over 4 years,” stated Marc Pauzé, Outaouais’ president of CUPW’s local 360.
Special mediator appointed
On Monday, November 18, a special mediator appointed by the federal government, Peter Simpson, stepped in to guide the renewed negotiations. It is uncertain how smoothly this will go given that Canada Post has stated “the parties remain far apart at the table.” Federal Labour Minister, Steve MacKinnon, has said, “I am not looking at any solution other than negotiation” to end the strike. According to the union, they are, “looking forward to working with the new mediator”.
Delivery of the Pontiac Journal impacted
The regular bi-weekly delivery of the Pontiac Journal will be impacted because of the strike. To get the November 20 issue into the hands of as many readers as possible, the Journal team will be increasing the drop-off locations and is looking into doing door-to-door delivery in some towns. Copies can also be picked up at the Journal office in Mansfield and at most municipal offices. The entire paper can be read online free: www.pontiacjournal.com.