All Canadian Union of Postal Workers members at Canada Post are on a nation-wide strike.
The strike is effective immediately, according to a notice of the union's website Thursday (Sept. 25).
"In response to the Government's attack on our postal service and workers, effective immediately, all CUPW members at Canada Post are on a nation-wide strike," the post reads.
In an emailed statement Thursday, Canada Post said it is "disappointed that the union chose to escalate their strike activity, which will further deteriorate Canada Post’s financial situation."
The Crown corporation says customers should expect delays as mail and parcels will not be processed or delivered for the duration of the national strike, and some post offices will be closed.
However, Canada Post and the the Canadian Union of Postal Workers have agreed to continue the delivery of socio-economic cheques and the existing shipment of live animals. No new shipments of live animals will be accepted.
On Thursday, the federal government directed Canada Post to end door-to-door home delivery, among other recommendations from a report in the spring from the Industrial Inquiry Commission, to save costs.
Government Transformation Minister Joël Lightbound, the minister responsible for Canada Post, said the Crown corporation is facing an "existential crisis." He said the Crown corporation is losing about $10 million every day.
Earlier this year, the federal government provided $1 billion to keep the corporation going.
"However, repeated bailouts from the federal government are not the solution."
In a statement from the union Wednesday, it said it learned through a media advisory that Lightbound would be giving an update on the future of Canada Post on Thursday.
The union said it met with Lightbound the week prior, but "he gave no indication this announcement was coming," adding it was unaware of what the announcement would cover.
When asked about the union saying it was unaware of his announcement, Lightbound said that some of the issues raised in the meeting the week prior were addressed in his Sept. 25 announcement, specifically around reviewing the management structure.
The union was reportedly set to meet with the minister again, but it was postponed.
More to come.
