Protesters deliver strong message on Canada Post cuts

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OTTAWA — Hundreds of postal workers, labour union members and supporters took to the Ottawa streets Sunday to fight Canada Post changes that will end home mail delivery and eliminate jobs.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers organized the event to demand the reversal of cuts it says will mean layoffs for as many as 8,000 employees.

The union estimated that 2,500 to 3,000 people, many carrying signs and wearing their Canada Post uniforms, marched from Dundonald Park on Somerset Street to Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s office facing Parliament Hill.

“We’re here to send a message to the prime, minister that it’s unacceptable. There needs to be more discussion, more dialogue with residents and communities like in the City of Ottawa,” said Sean McKenny, president of the Ottawa District Labour Council.

“We’ve heard that Canada Post has targeted Orléans and Kanata as a couple of the first spots where they’re going to implement these community mailboxes, but our city council isn’t even aware of it.”

Although Canada Post is expected to foot the bill for the installation of community mailboxes, residents aren’t sold.

Worries of litter, vandalism and theft at the boxes, as well as concerns about the day-to-day independence for seniors and people with disabilities, were all issues raised by attendees.

“It’s not just the letter carriers’ job losses, it’s going cause significant strain on a lot of folks, for something that’s not necessary. It is possible to maintain door-to door delivery and still maintain a very viable Canada Post,” said McKenney.

Letter carrier Joanne Bertand said she has been delivering mail to community boxes, long in place in many suburbs, since she started at Canada Post 20 years ago. While they can be efficient, oversized parcels or mail that requires signatures still require post workers to go to the door. She’s not sure how that process will be modified following the latest announcement.

She wasn’t the only postal worker in attendance who felt the corporation hasn’t effectively communicated to its employees what on-the-ground changes will look like. Some, like Ryan Claire — who drove in from Peterborough for the protest — are worried these changes will result in a move toward privatization.

However, Canada Post chief executive Deepak Chopra has said that privatizing the postal service is not on the agenda.

Union representatives say they are meeting with MPs and holding public forums, and have heard concerns across the country about the cost to municipalities of maintaining the mailbox sites when the boxes are in place.

“It’s cutting service and demanding that people pay more for postage, for less. I think that’s the wrong way to go,” said George Floresco, a national vice-president for CUPW.

“The government is endorsing this plan and I think they should be putting a hold on it, take a step back to hear from the public.”

Similar demonstrations were scheduled for other cities Sunday.