Cambridge postal workers were picketing outside the post office on Water Street North as they entered the first day of a strike that's brought mail delivery to a halt.
Among the frustrations expressed by workers and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers union that represents them is wages staying in line with inflation, safety, job security and push back on a two-tiered pension.
"We have a lot of unresolved issues," Mike Offord, union president for the Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge Local 560, said outside the post office at the corner of Dickson and Water streets.
"Canada Post is insincere in their intent on negotiating a fair contract. The main concern is the health and safety of the members. Separate, sort and delivery is an area we're extremely concerned about."
Offord said the union has been pushing for weekend and evening delivery, electric vehicle charging stations at every location across Canada that would extend the range of EVs, and postal banking. All of which Canada Post disagrees with, according to Offord.
Negotiations to this point are going "not well," he said.
"If CUPW says the sky is blue, Canada Post says it's black with white polka dots," he said.
"It's quite contention from Canada Post. Their lack of sincerity in negotiating a contract that's fair to all workers is quite evident."
A statement received by CambridgeToday from media relations employee Phil Rogers on behalf of Canada Post said the service is "disappointed with CUPW’s decision to shut down the postal service with a national strike."
"This decision will have a significant and immediate impact on millions of Canadians, small businesses and charities who count on Canada Post during the busy holiday season," the statement read.
"Understanding the importance of the service we provide, Canada Post had informed the union, and our customers, that we would continue operating and maintain service in the event of rotating strikes while discussions continue. We are committed to remaining at the table to negotiate new collective agreements."
The statement noted Canada Post's $3 billion in losses since 2018 which continue to mount.
"Even with that, Canada Post has continued to put forward offers that protect and enhance what’s important to our current employees" it read.
"We’ve offered competitive wage increases (11.5 per cent over 4 years) and additional paid leave, while protecting their defined benefit pension and job security provisions."
Canada post has also put forward proposals to offer seven-day-a-week parcel delivery, it said.
As for what residents can expect during the strike, it could be quite disruptive.
Mail and parcels won't be processed or delivered and some post offices will be closed.
Service guarantees for items already in the system are being impacted and nothing new is being accepted.
It's also anticipated processing and delivery will take time to catch up once an agreement is reached.
Offord said anyone concerned in the community should contact their local MP to address Canada Post to get them to the bargaining table with "sincere offerings."
"During the two-and-a-half years of COVID, postal worker risked their health and safety to bring them their products," he said.
"We are dedicated to doing that but Canada Post doesn't seem as concerned. Talks are continuing but we're still galaxies apart."
