Canada Post workers resume strikes across B.C.

Canada Post workers resumed rotating strikes across B.C. this weekend, walking off the job Friday at a key processing hub near Vancouver International Airport.

Outside the Pacific Processing Centre in Richmond, about 70 CUPW Vancouver local members picketed Saturday. Canada Post said in a customer update that the centre is a key processing hub for mail and parcels in Canada, and the strike is expected to have a “significant impact” on operations while causing more backlog of trailers.

Anju Parmar, the third vice-president for the CUPW Vancouver local, said more than 1,600 people worked at the 24-hour processing centre but are now taking shifts on the picket line.

The union representing 50,000 workers across the country and the postal service have not yet reached new collective agreements for a pair of bargaining units after 10 months of negotiations. “I just want the public to know that we don’t want any impact on customers,” said Parmar, who has worked for Canada Post for 26 years.

“But we don’t have any choice, right? Basically, Canada Post is not budging on anything, so this is the only option we have now.”

Parmar does not know how long the rotating strikes will last.

CUPW also began job action this weekend in Creston, Elk Valley, Golden, Grand Forks, Kimberley, Kitimat, Powell River, Prince Rupert, Salmon Arm, Revelstoke, Smithers, Sunshine Coast and Terrace, according to Canada Post.

Strikes continue in Kamloops and in Quebec, while others ended in Cranbrook, Penticton, Quesnel, Vernon and Williams Lake.

Canada Post said in its customer update that it “has made significant offers to CUPW that include increased wages, job security, and improved benefits, and it has not asked for any concessions in return.”

A mediator’s contract was extended by four days from Nov. 7-10 in order to help the two parties reach a resolution.

“We value the relationship with the union and have been able to find common ground on some issues,” Canada Post said. “We have also committed to work together to address employees’ workload concerns.”

Yogesh Sharma, a shop steward and forklift driver at the Pacific Processing Centre, said it was important to support his union and show the public and his employer workers need to fight for a fair contract.

“We are looking for a fair contract,” said the Canada Post employee of 15 years. “You know how expensive it is all over the nation.”