Canada Post Cutting Services by Stealth

EDMONTON, Sept. 16 /CNW/ - As Canada Post moves to modernize its operations with millions of dollars of new investments, the Crown Corporation is quietly introducing a series of service cuts, the post office's largest union says.

"Weekend mail clearance and retail services are under attack, as well as the recently publicized reduction in Street Letter Boxes," says CUPW Edmonton President Bev Ray. "They are hoping that no-one will speak out as these services are cut back or eliminated."

Eighty-six of the red mail boxes were recently eliminated across Edmonton, although one was reinstated following pressure from Strathearn Community League members. However, more boxes are sprouting signs warning they are slated for elimination Sept. 24, said Ray. "Where will it stop?" she asks. "Seniors, people with disabilities and everyone are being hit by this cut." 

Canada Post claims that its rules call for letter boxes to be maintained at or near health-care facilities and seniors' residences. However, as Ray points out, a two-week audit carried out by Canada Post did not include a needs-assessment of communities based on services to seniors, persons with disabilities or businesses.  The audit was only to determine volumes, with no consideration for maintaining public postal services to residents in any of the communities hit.

"The union is concerned about any reductions in services and jobs, and we encourage the public to contact Edmonton-Strathcona Member of Parliament Linda Duncan to express their own concerns," says Ray.

Canada Post has also quietly but steadily been reducing week-end service over the past year. Weekend drivers collect the mail from Retail Postal Outlets and Street Letter Boxes, but their numbers have been reduced to two for the entire city, through attrition, says Ray. "This means that most mail deposited in a Postal Outlet or red box after 5 p.m. Friday remains untouched until as late as 5 p.m. Monday, causing delays of mail and security risks."

Finally, the hours of service of Corporate Retail Outlets are under review, and the union is warning that reductions in evening and weekend hours are imminent at South Edmonton and Sherwood Park outlets.

For further information:

Bev Ray, President at 780-423-9000