Montreal workers join rotating strikes over Canada Post contract dispute

MONTREAL About 6,000 Canada Post employees in Montreal have walked off the job, along with postal workers in several other cities as ongoing rotating strikes continue across the country.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers said the Montreal walkout began at 10:30 p.m. local time Monday, joining several other cities participating in the 24-hour strikes.

CUPW says walkouts are being held in five B.C. cities, including Fraser Valley West, Prince George, Squamish and Royal City.

Workers are also out in Weyburn, Sask., and seven Ontario communities, including Cobourg, Deep River, Fort Frances, Peterborough and Kapuskasing.

In a statement, Canada Post warns that the Montreal walkout will have a significant impact on operations, since it is an important processing hub. “Canada Post will make every effort to minimize the impact, but customers well beyond Montreal may see delays ...,” it said.

CUPW and the postal service have been unable to reach new collective agreements.