A strike by Canada Post workers is once again affecting Canadians.

Around 55,000 employees, represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, have been off the job since Nov. 15 in a quest for a new contract agreement. 

Wages, job security, benefits and contract work for parcel delivery are among the issues on the table.

While representatives from Canada Post and the postal workers union have been in negotiations, the strike has some far-reaching effects.

The post office has an important service in communications, parcel delivery and the delivery of important documents. Government benefits are delivered through the mail, as are passports. Bills, bank statements and related information are often delivered through the mail. For small businesses in Canada Post, parcel delivery is done through the postal service rather than through courier services.

This means a labour dispute involving the post office or postal employees will have some significant effects, beyond the parties directly involved. 

Collective bargaining is a fundamental right in Canada, and there is a right to strike action. 

It should be noted that labour relations issues have plagued Canada Post for many years. From 1965 to 1997, there were at least 19 strikes, lockouts and walkouts. Then, in June 2011, the postal service experienced rotating strikes, followed by a lockout. Rotating strikes were organized again in October 2018. The latest strike began in November 2024.

Each strike, lockout or other job action affects the public. The disruptions are felt by everyone.

It is important to have a fair agreement between Canada Post and the union. At the same time, the disruptions from a strike or a job action are noticeable. 

There must be a better way to negotiate a fair agreement, without the disruptions resulting from a postal strike.

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