UPDATED — June 15, 10:38 a.m.
After 12 days of rotating strikes, Canada Post workers across the country were locked out by their employers June 14.
A statement on Canada Post's website said the rotating strikes have already cost about $100 million, and if they were to continue, Canada Post would “not be able to remain financially self-sufficient and risk becoming a burden on Canadian taxpayers.”
Lance McKee, Canadian Union of Postal Workers Sudbury local president, said the dispute isn't about money.
"We're average working class,” he said.
Robert Blais, second vice-president for CUPW Sudbury Local 612, stands outside the Lisgar Canada Post office. Canada Post workers were locked out by their employer June 14. Photo by Carrissa Peach.
“We have health and safety issues, especially in the letter carrier section. Canada Post wants a two-tier pay wage for new employees and they want to replace our current sick leave plan with a short term disability plan run by a private company. We're trying to hold onto what we already have.
“We still want to work. We want to deliver the mail. We want to negotiate, but they're forcing us out."
McKee said the lockout doesn't sit will with him.
"It's sad there is no mail delivery service today," he said. "In Sudbury, a lot of small businesses and seniors depend on the mail service and for their livelihood.”
Despite that, McKee said he's not surprised that Canada Post has locked employees out.
“Right from the beginning, Canada Post has not been willing to negotiate,” he said. “We knew this was coming.”
McKee said as of June 15, several picket lines have been set up around the city including the main rotation plant on Lasalle Blvd, at the carrier depot on Dell Street, and at the Canada Post locations in downtown Sudbury on Lisgar Street and in Chelmsford and Copper Cliff.
A Canada Post spokesperson said the latest offer on the table has all the right elements for a deal to be made, as it includes wage increases, continued job security and continued pension plan.
Under the offer, new employees would start at $19 per hour and go up to $26 per hour in seven years, and start with three weeks' vacation according to Canada Post general manager of communications Jon Hamilton.
McKee urges people to stand up for what they believe in.
"The public needs to start calling the company and telling them what they want," McKee said. "Canada Post shouldn't be getting away with this."
- Posted by Martha Dillman
