Unionized Canada Post workers fearing lockout hold information picket in Richmond Hill
YorkRegion.com
Aug. 12, 2016
By Lisa Queen
A dozen unionized Canada Post workers held an information picket outside a Richmond Hill post office Friday morning.
About a dozen workers wearing T-shirts with slogans such as “Keep calm and support CUPW” and “Keep your hands off the public’s post office” passed out flyers and flew flags at the picket at Yonge Street and Beresford Drive.
“We’re here today because Canada Post wants to close down 493 retail counters across the country and we feel this is a target for one of them,” Derek Richmond, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers’ Ontario region coordinator, said.
The union and Canada Post had been embroiled in an escalating and public labour battle this year as they attempt to negotiate a new contract.
The issue has slipped off the public’s radar screen in recent weeks as both sides turned down the rhetoric as part of a cooling off period as negotiations continue.
But while some minor items have been resolved, overall bargaining does not appear to be proceeding well, Mike Duquette, president of the Scarborough union local, which includes York Region, said.
He fears Canada Post could lock out unionized workers as soon as the end of August.
But Canada Post spokesperson Mouktar Abdillahi remains committed to negotiating a settlement with the union.
