Postal Workers Strike Sends Clear Message
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) local chapter 738 president, Babe Seguin, stated that the strike actions beginning in September have effectively drawn public attention to the potential closure of rural post offices. Although the union has now shifted from daily to rotating strikes, the goal of maintaining visibility remains unchanged.
“We wanted to bring awareness to the possible closure of rural post offices,”
Seguin told Energeticcity.ca, emphasizing that the community understands what’s at stake.
Communities at Risk
Local post offices under threat include those in Altona, Buick, Cecil Lake, Charlie Lake, Clayhurst, Montney, Prespatou, Rose Prairie, and Tumbler Ridge, as well as retail branches in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John. These locations were previously safeguarded by a moratorium, which may now be lifted amid proposed service reductions.
Federal Oversight and Next Steps
According to Canada Post’s media department, Minister Lightbound has given the postal service 45 days to present a detailed plan for implementing federal recommendations introduced in early September. These measures focus on maintaining service quality, minimizing disruption, ensuring respectful treatment of employees, informing the public, and remaining adaptable to the evolving needs of Canadians.
Union’s Continued Commitment
Despite the move to rotating strikes, Seguin insists that Peace region postal workers are united in ensuring their message is heard and that rural postal services remain protected.
Author’s summary: CUPW members in northeastern B.C. continue rotating strikes to spotlight the risk of rural post office closures and preserve vital mail services for local communities.