Postal workers represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) remain on the picket line nearly two weeks after announcing strike action.
They are striking in Lloydminster in front of the post office on 49 Street. They provided a list of grievances with Canada Post, including unfulfilled promises, inadequate pay, and increased workloads.
According to Frank John Trach, a carrier since 1994, the strike has been a long time coming.
“Our last contract expired in 2020, and when COVID hit, Canada Post asked us to extend the agreement. They promised to address issues after the pandemic, but those promises went out the window,” he said.
Jenna Wilson, a letter carrier and union member since 2018, criticized the corporation’s management decisions.
“They claim losses of $74 million, blaming workers. But in reality, it’s investments like new processing plants and electric vehicles,” she noted. “They’ve also expanded delivery points but reduced staff, making our jobs more dangerous.”
The strike has significantly impacted workers.
“We have no benefits, and we’re not getting paid,” Wilson stated. “The union provides $56 a day, but that’s hardly enough.”
Trach echoed her sentiment, adding, “I lose my wages and vehicle allowance. If Canada Post had negotiated in good faith, we wouldn’t be here.”
The effects extend beyond the workers to their customers.
“I have long-time customers who depend on us,” Trach said. “I feel bad, but we have to do this for everyone in CUPW.”
Wilson pointed out the risk of losing customers permanently, especially with increased competition from private delivery services.
According to Wilson, the shortest route in Lloydminster after the recent amalgamation is 17 km of walking each day. She disputes the company’s position on many things, as she was an acting manager at one point.
Workers are also pushing back against operational changes.
“They claim the losses in the area of $74 million across Canada, that’s how they presented it to the media, is that the workers have cost them their losses, which is not true, in reality, it’s an investment by the corporation for the corporation,” said Wilson. For example, the new processing plant they built out in Ontario, the extensive renovations of the West Coast processing plant and the purchase of expensive electrical vehicles. They claim, again, as a loss, not an investment.”
She’s also concerned about the reduced staff and the longer proposed hours for the workers.
“They want us on the streets for eight hours a day, after sorting mail for two hours. It’s unsustainable,” Wilson said.
Trach highlighted the physical toll.
“We’re walking up to 23 kilometres a day, carrying satchels weighing 35 to 55 pounds. Meanwhile, supervisors earn significantly more for desk jobs.”
The strike underscores the growing frustration among postal workers.
“This isn’t just about money,” Wilson emphasized. “It’s about fairness, safety, and respect for the people who keep this service running.”
The Federal Government has mandated the sides meet with a mediator. The strike started Nov. 15.
Read more: Strike paralysis postal processing
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