‘Very trying conditions’

Union says Canada Post keeping employees safe while dealing with high level of packages

Canada Post is processing “Christmastime” levels of packages while at the same time dealing with safety measures to keep workers socially distanced and working safely.

“Our numbers of parcels are skyrocketing to the same kind of volumes we would processing and delivering around Christmas holiday period. So the numbers are fantastic," said Jeff Callaghan, national director for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.

At the same time, the union has been working closely with Canada Post to ensure all workers have adequate personal protective equipment and clean, safe workplaces.

For letter carrier depots, that means staggered shift starts, to reduce the number of workers in the facility at one time. At processing plants, it means re-distributing workers – moving some from a busy shift to less occupied shifts so there is adequate space between workers.

Retail outlets have plexiglass dividers at the service counters.

“Postal workers continue to go to work every day to help deliver products that Canadians are looking for — primarily ordering online. They’re doing so under very trying conditions. Our workers have the same concerns as everyone else about the virus. They’re apprehensive."

Local health and safety representatives are pressing for extra cleaning at facilities as well as ensuring adequate PPE and social distancing.

Canada Post is listening to the union’s concerns and trying to act on them, “for the most part,” said Callaghan.