Postal Union warns of added City costs

Municipal governments could face added costs with the Canada Post decision to cut door-to-door delivery of mail.

That was one of the concerns raised at the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday by Gord Fischer, Canadian Union of Postal Workers National Director, Prairie Region.

Fischer said where community mailboxes have been installed already replacing door-to-door delivery of mail, communities are finding problems.

The first issue is one of security.

“We’re saying security of mail is important,” said Fischer, who said there have been break-ins to community mailboxes, and in one case the entire box was taken.

Then there are issues regarding congested parking around the mailboxes. Fischer said some communities are posting 15-minute parking zones, which helps access, but costs the municipality money for signs.

Municipalities are also finding the cost of snow removal, and garbage collection around the boxes falling on them, said Fischer.

As a result, Fischer said some 500 community councils have passed motions in support of maintaining door-to-door service.

Fischer also said the greatest travesty of the cuts being implemented is the reason being given by Canada Post. The reason is that the corporation is losing money.

“That is a lie,” he told Council.

Fischer said in the past 20-years Canada Post has paid $1 billion in taxes and dividends to the federal government.

“They’re actually making money,” he said.

Yorkton Council passed a motion to file the presentation, but did not make further motions in regards to the Union request for support.