Workers can strike of Friday if no deal is reached
The union representing Canada Post workers has officially provided the Crown corporation with a 72-hour strike notice.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) issued the notice on Nov. 12, meaning employees will be in a legal strike position as of Nov. 15 if the two sides can’t reach a new deal.
CUPW hasn’t set a job action date. That will depend on what happens at the bargaining table, the union says.
In ag, a disruption could mean delays in receiving payments or other paperwork.
That’s why multiple insurance organizations are encouraging producers to set up digital services.
The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) has steps in place to communicate with customers if needed.
“SCIC will work with customers to determine alternate options for accessing information in the event of a postal disruption,” Tessa Krofchek, SCIC’s manager of marketing and communications, told Farms.com in an email. “Regarding quicker access to payments, SCIC continues to encourage producers to sign-up for direct deposit for receiving program payments.”
In Manitoba, the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation is encouraging AgriInsurance clients to file their Harvested Production Reports on the myMASC online portal by the Dec. 2 deadline.
Submitting these reports by email, fax, in person or via courier can also bypass any Canadian postal system challenges.
The Agriculture Financial Services Corporation in Alberta has been using alternative delivery methods since Oct. 29 to get ahead of any potential Canada Post interruptions.
“We are contacting clients who receive payments by mail, and who are in a claim or potential claim position, to arrange alternative delivery,” AFSC said. “If you haven’t already signed up for direct deposit, this may be a good time to consider making the switch.”
As of Nov. 12, Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon hasn’t intervened in the dispute between Canada Post and the CUPW.
“Parties must do all the necessary work to reach an agreement,” he said in an Oct. 31 statement on X.
Farms.com has also contacted Agricorp in Ontario for its comments on a potential Canada Post strike and advice it has for producers.
Farm Credit Canada, another Crown corporation, chose not to comment on the situation.