If you think you're unaffected by it, you are wrong. In spite of the fact Canada Post strike action hasn't happened directly in Yorkton yet, James Rohatynsky, Treasurer for the local 860 Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) says customers are not getting the service they deserve.
"The citizens and business owners of Yorkton need to know that just because it's the major cities around Canada that are going on strike and Yorkton hasn't been hit yet, they are still being affected," he states.
On June 8 the CUPW began 24-hour strike activity in 13 cities across the country and since that time strikes have been rotating in a number of larger centres across Canada, including in Saskatoon and Regina.
Because of the strike action Canada Post has reported that mail volume has been reduced by about 50 per cent and as a result, the employer has begun "adjusting services." Mail delivery in urban areas - including in Yorkton - is being reduced to three days per week and staffing levels are being downsized.
"It didn't have to come to this. As a union, we have the right to collective and fair bargaining in this country and if a strike is imminent then that's what it is," says Rohatynsky.
"We chose to try to do this with as little interruption as possible... that's why we decided to rotate rather than shut the whole country down and Canada Post has come back with a pretty interesting rebuttal.
"They've pulled part time workers off the floor. They're minimizing hours. They've pulled all our casuals off the floor - that's both plant workers and on the letter carrier side, so there is mail that's sitting."
Rohatynsky says in spite of Canada Posts reports that mail volumes are decreasing there is mail sitting.
"We don't believe that the volumes are down that much... it's maybe somewhere around 15 per cent. Basically they've chosen to not provide a service to the public. They're blaming it on financial reasons, we think they're just being stubborn."
Starting this week, service was reduced from five days a week in Yorkton to just three. Until further notice, deliveries will take place on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays.
"And there is mail in the system that is sitting. This shouldn't be happening. We owe the public better than that."
Also happening says Rohatynsky is Canada Post parcels are now being delivered by Purolator.
"They're not allowing us to deliver them."
It's not money that is a sticking point says Rohatynsky, rather it's benefits and sick leave.
"The big issue right now is our benefits for our sick leave. They want to put us on a short term disability system and nobody wants that. We've had paid sick leave for over 40 years I believe and in the process of negotiations you never want to go backwards. You want to keep what you have or better yourself for the future. So this is a big step backwards.
"Wages are not a contentious issue. I think we're very close to settling as far as wages go."
In addition to that adds Rohatynsky, Canada Post is implementing a new bundling system that will mean heavier lifting and a bigger burden for letter carriers.
"It's going to lead to long term injuries. It's the complete opposite of the health and safety that they preach to us. It goes against the principles they teach... It's already been implemented in Winnipeg and it's not working. Sick time has gone up... they're going to have us outside longer, walking further, that means more exposure to the elements in the winter... it's unacceptable."
Rohatynsky says he hopes the situation will turn around.
"Think about the businesses that are counting on their mail to go out and come in... we just don't want this but it's not our choice."
Locally, he adds, workers will continue to do their jobs and basically play the wait and see game.
He urges residents to speak out if they are unhappy with their mail delivery.
"Voice your opinion to Canada Post. Let them know your thoughts. Canada Post is owned by the public. It's the public that pays our wages so tell that you're not satisfied. I believe Canada Post is obligated to provide a five day delivery service and they've chosen not to," says Rohatynsky.
"So any hardships that it causes, let Canada Post know. You can either call locally, there's a customer service number people can call, or look on the Canada Post website. I believe there is a spot on there for comments. This shouldn't be what's happening."
In a release issued last Thursday by Canada Post it stated the following, "Canada Post and CUPW remain far apart on several fundamental issues. The union today rejected major compromises proposed by Canada Post to address sick leave and staffing levels. CUPW also refuses to discuss any initiatives that will reduce costs and address the problems of declining mail volumes, increasing competition and electronic substitutions of traditional mail. After almost a week, the union has again rejected Canada Post's generous offer.
"Throughout this round of labour negotiations, Canada Post has made every effort to protect the pay, pension and job security of existing employees. To do this the company has proposed adjusting its offering for employees hired in the future. Canada Post hopes to phase-in a new cost structure in the coming years. This is a fair and reasonable approach. (See details on the Canada Post website.)
"Every effort has been made to reach a negotiated settlement that is in the best interests of employees, customers and the company. Canada Post again reiterated that it is unable to move or accommodate the union's demands without jeopardizing the mail service that Canadians rely on.
"The strike actions being orchestrated by the union are seriously damaging the financial viability of the company. The rotating strikes have damaged Canada Post and clouded the company's future. Volumes at Canada Post have fallen significantly since the union started rotating strikes on June 3. This decline in volumes comes at a time when the company is already struggling to address significant business challenges."
As of press time, a resolution had not been reached.
