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Strike One…
By Liz Attfield on June 16, 2011
No friends, I’m not talking baseball. I’m referring to Canada Post, who, after 12 days of rotating strikes, is now on strike nationally (technically, operations have “been suspended” and workers have been locked out).
The statement issued from Canada Post at midnight on June 14 states:
“The accelerating decline in volumes and revenue combined with the inability to deliver mail on a timely and safe basis has left the company with no choice but to make this decision.”
Canada Post claims they’ve lost $100 million in revenue since the labour disruptions began.
I can’t even begin to think about how much charities will lose, or have lost already. From delayed appeals, to appeals that have just arrived in homes, to those still sitting at a postal station…
It seems to me that the need for traditional mail service is in decline, and events like this won’t help. There will be business lost to Canada Post during this disruption that will never return.
So, I put it to you fundraisers – will this strike affect what you do in the future?
Rainer Fischer wrote, on 08:34 at Jun 23, 2011
As of today, no deal has been reached. After putting up with a half dozen strikes over the past 30 years which directly affect the livelihoods of those who depend on a consistent flow of mail, we need to make it an essential service. No organization, union or otherwise, should be able to hold all Canadians hostage.
John wrote, on 10:19 at Jun 23, 2011
This is part of a misguided conservative business strategy to force public sector wages down. Misguided because public sector wages are essential to fueling economic recovery and prosperity and driving a growth in consumer and private business spending. Private couriers and other delivery options are available, but Canada Post has a key role to play in providing services to the less populated – and less profitable – regions of Canada. Don’t blame workers for not wanting to lose see their wages and benefits lowered and jobs lost just to help the rich get richer.
Postal service will return soon, but what is best for the long-term prosperity of our communities is the bigger issue – for charities, and for the rest of us.
Rainer wrote, on 12:22 at Jun 23, 2011
It is shameful that CUPW has decided to take their members out on strike (again). I’ve talked to postal workers who are embarrassed and upset that they are on strike. They’d rather be working. And the fact that the NDP is attempting to delay back-to-work legislation makes me regret that I even voted for them just a short time ago. Every day, we the people who depend on the postal system, are watching helplessly as our livelihood dwindles before our eyes. At the same time, charities are having to cut programs. And for what? So the postal workers can have the best of everything while the rest of us keep plugging away trying to earn a living. I’ve been in direct mail industry for 30 years and watched CUPW erode the system bit-by-bit with every strike. It’s disgraceful, and time for our mail system be declared an essential service.
Liz wrote, on 16:16 at Jun 24, 2011
Thank you to Rainer and John for your thoughtful comments. It is clear that there are strong feelings around this strike and the back-to-work action/delays. The common thread is clear – the longer this goes on, the more people are getting hurt.
I hope for an end soon – and one that everyone can agree is fair.