Postal Workers Strike Keeps Their Message Alive
The transition from daily protests to rotating strikes has not weakened the voice of postal workers in the Peace region, according to the union’s local president.
Babe Seguin, president of Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) Local 738, said the strikes since September aimed to "bring awareness" to potential rural post office closures.
Postal offices in Altona, Buick, Cecil Lake, Charlie Lake, Clayhurst, Montney, Prespatou, Rose Prairie, and Tumbler Ridge, along with retail branches in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, are reportedly facing possible shutdowns. These locations were previously protected under a moratorium that could be lifted following proposed service reductions.
Government and Canada Post Response
According to Canada Post’s communications department, Lightbound gave the postal service 45 days to develop a plan in response to measures introduced by the federal government in early September.
The plan focuses on key principles:
- Prioritizing consistent and reliable service.
- Minimizing the impact on the public.
- Treating employees respectfully.
- Keeping Canadians informed.
- Adjusting flexibly to the evolving needs of the public.
A statement from Canada Post noted that “the plan is being finalized and will be shared with the government before the deadline.”
Author’s Summary
Rural postal workers’ rotating strikes in British Columbia have maintained pressure on Canada Post as the service prepares its compliance plan for federal review.