Sask. businesses fear holiday season impacts amid Canada Post strike

Business owners in Saskatoon and Regina are worried about the upcoming holiday season as Canada Post workers across the province take part in a nationwide strike.

The strike against the federal Crown corporation began Friday.

Canada Post failed to reach an agreement with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), which represents 55,000 postal employees in Canada. Negotiations have been ongoing for the last year.

"We're not asking for anything exorbitant," said Brahm Enslin, Saskatoon's local president of CUPW Local 820.

"We're asking for [wages] to keep up with the way inflation has increased in the last few years. Things have gone straight up and our wages have just not kept up with it."

Local business ownersacross the province said they're concerned about how to distribute their products.

"It's definitely a hurdle going into the holiday season when things are picking up so quick," said Stephana Stefanyshyn-Alonso, a team lead at SaskMade. "We're holding orders and not able to get stuff out as quick."

SaskMade is a store which distributes products made in Saskatchewan, likespecialty jams and hot sauces. Stefanyshyn-Alonso said the business ships products worldwide every day using Canada Post.

She said SaskMade is at a loss for what to do next. Itbegan looking into other mail carriers, but they were allmore expensive to ship with than Canada Post.

"It was just way more than we were expecting," said Stefanyshyn-Alonso.

Canada Post came back with an offer of an 11.5 per cent increase over four years. The union is asking for double that. The union is also asking for health and safety benefits and increased job security.

WATCH | Sask. postal workers hit the picket line on Friday:

Sask. postal workers hit the picket line

3 days ago

Duration 1:58

CBC Saskatchewan reports from picket lines in Saskatoon and Regina.

Businesses in Regina share the same concerns about the approaching holiday season and what that could mean for shipping products.

"We have customers that live outside of the city that sometimes want us to send little things, even a package, we just pop it in the mail to them," said Heike Edwards, owner of The Wine Cellar in Regina.

"Obviously that's not going to be possible, so it will affect us. I think it'll affect everyone in some way."

Canada Post said that delays are to be expected as a result of the strike.

"Mail and parcels will not be processed or delivered for the duration of the national strike, and some post offices will be closed," said Canada Post in a news release. "No new items will be accepted until the national disruption is over."

Enslin echoed the concerns of businesses and stressed the fact that Canada Post workers would not be on strike if it wasn't necessary.

"We regret being in this position, of course, the timing of it," said Enslin. "But our members are looking for a negotiated resolution and we believe that we've been there the whole entire time."

How the provincial government is dealing with the strike

Contingency plans have been put in place by the Saskatchewan government due to the ongoing Canada Post strike.

In a news release the government suggested switching to online banking for bill payments and setting up direct deposit during this time.

The Ministry of Health has suggested emailing refund receipts, documents and program applications for extended benefits and drug plans to DPEB@health.gov.sk.ca. Items can also be dropped off at the front desk or in the deposit box at the T.C. Douglas Building in Regina.

A plan is in the works with the Ministry of Social Services to make alternate payment deliveries to clients who use mail to receive benefits.

Bills, taxes and the receipt of important official documents like birth or death certificates will also be affected. The government's website has a full list of alternate solutions they are offering while the carrier strike is ongoing.