Canada Post Says Backlog Will Delay Shipments Until January

PRINCE GEORGE-  The president of the local CUPW branch says the union is going to do everything it can to fight back to work legislation put in place by the federal government Monday night. That forced Canada Post workers to end rotating strikes and return to the job to lessen the impact during the holiday season. “It’s not just our rights, it’s all Canadian workers too, where does it end with the Trudeau government with this? If it’s not us, it could be someone else,” said Clark Rasmussen. He also says the backlog of mail isn’t as large as Canada Post is letting on. “As far as we’re concerned I think we can get this up to date again fairly quickly we are working very hard and that’s why we did the rotating strikes so we wouldn’t burden the customers or small businesses.”

In a statement, Canada Post said parcels could be delayed until January and international shipments could be delayed as long as March. However, regular letters are expected to make it to their destination before Christmas Day. There are more expensive options available like FedEx, UPS, and Purolator that guarantee to arrive before the holidays. Some local businesses have opted for other shipping services. “Even though we use freighter trucks and different courier services there’s a lot off pressure on them lately so they’re backed up as well so our shipments are coming in slower,” said Ridge Side Art owner, Christina Watts. However, she says there has been an upside to the delays…  “People are understanding that there are some delays in shipping so when they need something right away they’re coming to the local stores and purchasing it right off the shelves.”

CUPW Local 812 and other local unions are holding a rally this Saturday afternoon outside the Civic Centre at three.