Town hall meeting to focus on Canada Post service cuts

The union representing postal workers in Sudbury is holding a town hall meeting Jan. 22 as it fights Canada Post's recent decision to end door-to-door home delivery.

The meeting goes at 7 p.m. on Jan. 22 at Steelworkers Hall on Brady Street. Members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers are inviting everyone to attend as they try to galvanize opposition to Canada Post's plans.

The Crown corporation announced Dec. 11 it was increasing the price of a stamp to $1 from 63 cents, and was phasing out home delivery in favour of community mailboxes.

“We feel that these changes will have a very negative impact on seniors, small business, low-income earners and charities,” CUPW Local 612 said in a news release. “We know that mail volume is declining, but increasing the cost of postage will not encourage people to mail letters.

“Canada Post refuses to consider providing alternative services. Nearly two-thirds of Canadians want expanded services to generate more revenue for Canada Post, for example, postal banking, which has been very successful in other countries.”

CUPW says Canada would be the first country on Earth to eliminate door-to-door delivery and implementing it would mean 6,000-8,000 people would lose their jobs at Canada Post.

@darrenmacd