Canada Post strikes impact in B.C. [Video]

Canada Post employees in B.C. could soon go on strike if a deal is not reached by Friday.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) issued a 72-strike notice to its employer on Tuesday morning in an attempt to reach a new deal.

University of British Columbia economics professor, Julien Picault, says the two sides have been negotiating for nearly a year, yet there hasn’t been much progress.

“It seems like the bargaining is not moving as fast as the union wants. So, they’re basically putting some pressure there,” said Picault.

He believes the union is taking the start of the Christmas rush as an opportunity to get their message across in the hopes it accelerates bargaining.

The unions demands include; wage increases in line with inflation, “improved staffing provisions,” increased paid medical days, paid meals and rest periods, and improved rights for temporary employees.

Canada Post’s latest offer included …