Picket line morale high as Liverpool workers hope for deal in Canada Post strike
Brian Anthony, left, vice-president of Local 18 of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, stands with fellow union members on the picket line outside the Main Street post office in Liverpool on Monday. (Rick Conrad)
Canada Post workers were back on the picket line on Monday in Liverpool hopeful that a deal can be reached to get them back to work.
About 20 members of Local 18 of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers were outside the post office on Main Street as cars honked their support.
Brian Anthony is the vice-president of Local 18. He told QCCR that four days into the strike, morale is high.
“We’re here until we get an agreement. Resonse has been good. We’ve got a good turnout here and a good response from the cars driving by. We had a guy stop by and give us some donuts and coffee today. I think the public understands that we all just need a fair deal.”
More than 55,000 Canada Post employees went on strike across the country on Friday. The Bridgewater-based Local 18 covers Hubbards to Shelburne and has about 60 members.
Union members say they want fair wages to keep pace with inflation, safe working conditions, pension protections and better benefits.
Canada Post’s latest offer included pay raises of 11.5 per cent over four years and a pledge to preserve the defined benefit pension plan for current employees.
A special federal mediator met with both sides on Monday. But Canada Post said they remain far apart on the major issues.
On the Liverpool picket line on Monday morning, Anthony said workers are hoping for a short walkout, but they’re prepared to stick it out.
“We don’t want to lose what we already have. We’re hoping there’ll be a settlement sometime soon. I think we’re optimistic. Everyone is still in good spirits. We’re hoping for a short strike for sure.”
Mail service is suspended during the strike. But Canada Post and the union have assured people that government cheques will still be delivered.
Workers plan to be on the picket lines in Liverpool from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
2018 was the last time there was a work stoppage at Canada Post. The rotating strikes lasted 31 days before the federal government stepped in an legislated employees back to work.
Email: rickconradqccr@gmail.com
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