Canada Post Strike

Jeff Green | Nov 20, 2024

Rural communities are feeling the brunt of the impact of a postal strike that is now in its 7th day. Post offices are open, and customers with post office boxes can still access them. Service was even available for neighborhood mail customers, such as the Frontenac News, to place mail in those boxes, because it would not have to be handled by CUPW members, even though rural delivery routes are not running.

The Frontenac News decided not to make use of this service, as it meant crossing a picket line, at least metaphorically. For this week, the papers are being distributed through the local communities and in bins next to group boxes at some locations, but not using any Canada Post infrastructure.

The two sides in the dispute are meeting this week with a mediator, and as of Tuesday (Nov. 19), are reporting that some progress has been made. Thus far, the federal Minister of Labour said he is not considering imposing back to work legislation to end the shutdown, but pressure from groups like the Canadian Independent Business Association are urging them to reconsider.

Any attempt at back to work legislation may be complicated by a stalemate in Parliament that has lingered throughout the month of November.