Are you ready for a postal strike?
About to mail a letter, cheque or parcel? Or expecting one or the other in your mailbox? Think again. The union representing Canada Post workers could go on strike as early as Saturday, Andrea Hill writes. Here are some things you should know.
SOCIAL SERVICES CHEQUES CAN BE PICKED UP
Monthly cheques for the Saskatchewan Assistance Program (SAP), Saskatchewan Assured Income and Disability (SAID), Transitional Employment Allowance (TEA) and other provincial social service programs were mailed on or before June 23 and are expected to arrive before any postal disruption. In the event of a postal strike, those who don’t receive payment by direct deposit can pick up cheques at ministry service centres. Centre addresses can be found online at www.saskatchewan.ca/ postal-strike.
CHECK YOUR DRIVER’S LICENCE AND VEHICLE REGISTRATION
SGI won’t be able to send reminders to people about soon-to-expire driver’s licences and vehicle registrations, so customers are advised to check their expiry dates in the event of a postal strike. If necessary, these can be renewed online at www.mysgi.ca or in person at a motor licence issuer.
IF YOU DON’T PAY UTILITY BILLS ONLINE, OTHER OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE
Residents of Saskatoon and Regina can sign up for eBill payment, pay bills through online banking or drop off cheques at city hall.
BAD NEWS FOR BUSINESS
Many Saskatchewan businesses rely on electronic systems to pay bills and issue invoices, but the modern-day practice has not been universally adopted. “Those that are still ‘old school,’ if you will, they’ll be looking for ways to keep their cash flows coming and their payables current, which is a challenge, clearly, during a postal strike,” said Steve McLellan, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
In addition, businesses that depend on Canada Post to deliver flyers and other advertising will have to look for alternative modes of delivery. “The impact on businesses will be significant.” McLellan said.