In an effort to cut costs and stay afloat, Canada Post has announced big changes are on the horizon. While times are changing and adjustments may be needed, there are many, including local employees, who are not happy with what is being proposed.
At Yorkton's regular City Council meeting, held Monday President of the local Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), Gloria Spilak, was on hand to seek council's support in a bid to urge Canada Post to reconsider a plan that will see changes to delivery methods and increased postal fees.
"On December 11, 2013, Canada Post announced to the Canadian public that it was going to instigate a Five Point Action Plan as the beginnings of a "new postal system," said Spilak to council. "Canada Post did not hold meetings open to the public to discuss this new plan with their only shareholder, the people of Canada. The Canadian Postal Charter states that the Government of Canada is committed to ensuring transparency in how Canada Post provides quality postal services."
The newly announced federal plan includes: eliminating door-to-door delivery service and replacing it with community mailboxes; raising the price of stamps from 63 cents to 85 cents (if purchased in bulk) and $1 each if purchased in smaller amounts; and, contracting our postal services to franchise dealerships.
"In our experience," says Spilak, "we see that customer business is siphoned off to the nearby private dealers. In turn, Canada Post will cut the hours and staff at the corporate offices. These service cuts will have serious effects on communities across Canada and here in Yorkton." It will also put the security and safety of community members at risk, she suggests.
"The proposed community mailboxes will bring many problems including theft, traffic problems, vandalism and accessibility problems for many of the most vulnerable in our community, our seniors and those with disabilities."
The proposed cuts will also take away good paying jobs, says Spilak, "that contribute to the Yorkton economy and provide for stability in our community."
As such, the local union group requested council write a letter to Canada Post as well as the Minister responsible for Canada Post, to demand that they do not proceed with the action plan.
After some discussion, council opted to receive and file the request.
The local CUPW group had previously met with MLA Greg Ottenbreit and has plans to meet with MP Garry Breitkreuz.
"It's a fight we can't take on ourselves," concludes Spilak who says there are other ways to generate postal revenue.
