Canada Post service disruptions have impact on Islanders
Federal government tables back-to-work legislation
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business called on the federal government to pass backto-work legislation regarding the Canadian Union of Postal Workers’ rotating strikes, especially with the holidays approaching.
And, on Thursday, the federal government did just that by introducing back-to-work legislation in the House of Commons.
“We’re certainly still seeing
members saying things have been delayed. Again, whether that’s payment cheques that they may be waiting on or goods that they’re waiting to receive to use in their business or things that they’re shipping,” said Erin McGrath-Gaudet, CFIB’s director, P.E.I. and intergovernmental policy. “With the rotating strikes, things haven’t shut down completely yet. And, we certainly do see members, because of the uncertainty, they’re switching to other options that may be a higher cost. So, going with a courier service when they normally just would have used Canada Post.”
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers held a rotating strike on P.E.I. on Oct. 31.
McGrath-Gaudet said that rural areas are more reliant on Canada Post and have fewer options than urban areas.
“Small businesses, in particular, are still very reliant on paper invoices or receiving cheques. You may be able to email out an invoice or send it electronically. But there’s not that same level of acceptability and familiarity around using electronic payments for small businesses.”
The Retail Council of Canada also called on the federal government to end the rotating strikes, including using back-to-work legislation.
Cameron Beach, owner of the Canadian Tire store in Charlottetown, said that the issue with Canada Post has a “silver lining.”
He explained that people who are nervous about a labour dispute and ordering online are more likely to either order online and go to the store and pick up the package in person or simply shop at the store in person rather than ordering gifts through Amazon or eBay in the U.S.
“It’s a blessing in disguise for bricks and mortar retailers. We want you to get off your butts and come on into the store and shop versus shopping online,” he said.
The CFIB recently conducted a survey of its members, and preliminary results were 87 per cent of small businesses said Canada Post’s delivery was important to their business, 67 per cent said cash flow has been affected by delayed cheques and mailed invoices, 41 per cent were waiting on products or supplies delivered, 35 per cent said shipments to customers have been delayed and 71 per cent support back-to-work legislation.
As well, two-thirds of small businesses surveyed said that they were negatively impacted by the rotating strike at an average cost of $3,000.