Striking postal workers protest at London MP Kate Young's office

A group of striking postal workers staged a protest at London West MP Kate Young's office on Friday, saying the federal Liberals should not use back-to-work legislation to end rotating strikes that are disrupting mail and package delivery as the Christmas season approaches.

Chanting and holding signs, a few dozen postal workers showed up at Young's office on Commissioners Road Friday afternoon.

Young wasn't there but her staff let a handful into her office where they spoke to the Liberal MP by phone.

Karen Finlay-Russell, president of Canadian Union of Postal workers local 566, said legislating workers isn't the way to solve the strike.

"We told her clearly that we do not want to be legislated back to work," she said. "We want her to vote no against the legislation so we can continue to negotiate a collective agreement."

Workers left without incident after speaking to Young.

Some workers waved flags and chanted at the edge of Commissioners Road.

Workers say they are fighting for pay equity and safer working conditions.

MPsare continuing to debateon a motion to fast-track the billin the House of Commons. It's not yet clear when the actual bill could be up for debate, but the Senate is prepared to sit on the weekend to consider any bill that may clear the House of Commons.

Labour Minister Patty Hajduagain expressed hope both sides would reach an agreement, but said all Canadians want postal service resumed. She said the negotiations and service disruption have dragged on too long.

Canada Post is in itsfifth week of rotating strikes by thousands of unionized workers, with no sign yet of a breakthrough incontract negotiations.