Postal strike disrupts BNRC, small biz

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This article was published 26/11/2024 (455 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Canada Post strike is rippling through Brandon, causing disruptions for agencies and businesses reliant on mail services.

The strike has created logistical hurdles for essential operations, including the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation (BNRC) rental assistance programs, business account receivable processes, and holiday preparations.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) began a national strike Nov. 15 after failing to reach an agreement with their employer. Both parties are still at the negotiating table and talks continue.

This followed the strike notices from CUPW for about 55,000 urban and RSMC (rural and suburban mail carriers) bargaining units. The dispute, which centres around wage increases, pensions and medical leave, started last year.

BNRC executive director Rushana Newman told the Sun the strike has affected the operations of the non-profit organization, especially its rental supplement program.

The program, she explained, is part of the Canada-Manitoba Housing Benefits (CMHB) and involves mailing rental cheques to the organization’s clients and their landlords.

“Every month, we send out over 150 cheques, which are crucial for covering people’s rent. Because of the postal strike, we’ve had to adapt. For residents in Brandon, we’ve asked them to pick up their cheques directly at the BNRC office,” she said in an interview on Monday.

“However, for clients outside Brandon, it’s more complicated since the program serves all of Manitoba, except Winnipeg and Thompson. We’ve explored alternatives, like using UPS, but it’s costly. This week, we will be looking at the provincial alternative options. Our goal is to ensure people receive their rental supplements without delays, as we don’t want to put anyone at risk of eviction.

Other BNRC programs, such as processing applications for birth certificates and IDs, she added have also been delayed, adding provincial solutions, such as pickup locations, could mitigate some issues.

In the private sector, businesses are grappling with delayed payments and extended accounts receivable timelines.

IntriTech Digital Marketing chief executive officer Emelio Brown told the Sun while his business and some have shifted to digital transactions, others still rely on mailed cheques.

“Our clients mostly use e-transfers or credit cards, so the impact on us has been minor,” Brown said. “But many businesses in Brandon are feeling the pinch, with delayed payments affecting cash flow.”

Warren Murray, general manager at Brandon Chrysler Dodge, agrees with Brown that the strike will not have a major impact on businesses that have opted for digital or courier options before now.

“I don’t think the strike will have a major impact on our operations. Other than the occasional customer sending us a payment by mail, most of our business is handled through couriers. So, while we’d prefer not to deal with the inconvenience of a strike, it doesn’t affect us significantly,” he said in an interview on Monday.

“Some companies still send us physical invoices, but I’d say about 98 per cent of them now use digital invoices and statements. There are a few customers who prefer to mail checks to pay their accounts, but many opt for e-transfers or courier services. As for deliveries in our parts department, those are almost entirely handled outside of Canada Post.”

Brandon Chamber of Commerce president Lois Ruston said the timing of the strike poses additional challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly as the holiday season approaches.

“The disruption could impact marketing campaigns and the shipment of goods for businesses. Direct mail is a critical part of holiday marketing for many SMEs,” Ruston said. “This strike adds another layer of business interruption, forcing owners to turn to more expensive alternatives to meet customer demands.”

Businesses, she said, should embrace digital communication and explore paperless payment options to avoid further disruptions.

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

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