By Abigail Popple, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, RMG
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) went on strike November 15th, hoping to negotiate wage increases, secure pensions and safe working conditions. During the strike, CUPW members are not delivering parcels or mail.
In Blue River, Canada Post employees have had a slow couple of weeks, said employee Allison Prest. The workers at the Blue River Canada Post office are not CUPW members, according to Prest. However, there are a number of CUPW members at the packaging station in Kamloops which ships parcels and mail to the north Thompson and Robson Valley, so local Canada Post offices are still not receiving or sending mail, Prest said.
“We’re still open for business, but nothing’s going on,” Prest laughed. “You can buy your Christmas stamps, but you can’t mail them.”
In response to The Goat’s questions about how the strike impacts the Robson Valley, Canada Post sent a copy of the Crown corporation’s November 25th press release.
“Negotiations have been supported by a special mediator since Monday, November 18th. Talks continued through this past weekend,” the release reads. “We have continued to work to find agreement on changes to our delivery model to better serve customers with weekend delivery and more flexible staffing during the week.”
The Goat reached out to Canada Post offices in McBride and Valemount, but did not receive a response by presstime. The CUPW did not return The Goat’s request for comment.
