Rotating postal strikes have hit Dryden.
Members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers walked off the job Thursday and spokesperson Mike Pareis says it’s due to growing frustration with Canada Post.
Pareis says they want to achieve a collective agreement through negotiations, however stresses they are having a hard time because Canada Post refuses to negotiate.
He says they are also upset the federal Liberals have tabled back-to-work legislation, adding they received 48-hour notice Wednesday.
Pareis stresses “considering that they said that they wouldn’t be doing this, it’s a little upsetting. The Trudeau government has stated that they believe in fair, free collective bargaining and this is just a repeat of what the Conservatives did last time”
At that time the Liberals voted against back to work legislation.
He notes they are still holding out hope of a negotiated settlement with Canada Post.
Pareis says they aren’t holding rotating strikes because members are “looking for a million dollars”.
In fact, he says what they have been offered is less than the rate of inflation.
He says the big issues are health and safety as well as over burdening.
Pareis says parcel volumes and mail weight have gone way up, while mandated delivery times haven’t changed.
He adds all they really want is to go home at the end of the day in one piece and see their kids.
Despite the rotating strike in Dryden, Pareis stresses that all government cheques have been delivered.
To hear more from Mike Pareis, visit the Audio link below.
