Postal Workers Strike Draws Attention to Rural Post Office Closures
Babe Seguin, president of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) local chapter 738, told Energeticcity.ca that postal workers in the Peace region have conducted strikes since September to raise awareness about potential closures of rural post offices.
The strike action transitioned from daily job actions to rotating strikes, but the union maintains their message remains clear.
At-Risk Postal Offices in the Peace Region
- Altona
- Buick
- Cecil Lake
- Charlie Lake
- Clayhurst
- Montney
- Prespatou
- Rose Prairie
- Tumbler Ridge
- Retail offices in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John
These locations had been protected by a moratorium, which may be lifted following proposed cutbacks to the mail service.
Canada Post Response and Government Plan
Canada Post’s media department shared that Lightbound has been given 45 days to develop a plan to implement measures proposed by the federal government in early September. The strategy aims to:
- Prioritize service
- Minimize public impact through careful implementation
- Treat employees with respect
- Keep the public informed
- Remain flexible to the evolving needs of Canadians using the postal service
"It involves prioritizing service, proceeding thoughtfully so the impact on the public is minimized, treating employees with respect, keeping the public informed and being flexible in adjusting to the ‘revolving needs’ of the Canadian public with the postal service."
Union Perspective
According to Babe Seguin, the strikes have successfully delivered their message about the risks facing rural post offices in the region.
She emphasized that despite moving from daily to rotating strikes, postal workers’ commitment to this cause remains strong.