Postal strike hits businesses, non-profits

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This article was published 09/12/2024 (282 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The ongoing postal strike creates ripple effects across Brandon, impacting local businesses and non-profit organizations relying on Canada Post for essential operations.

From disrupted mail delivery to increased operational costs, many are grappling with challenges as they adapt to the temporary halt in postal services.

For Leech Group, a printing and digital communications firm, the strike has been particularly disruptive.

Co-owner Meredyth Leech told the Sun that Canada Post is integral to the company’s operations, particularly for distributing direct mail, publications, marketing materials and time-sensitive documents.

“Any interruptions can result in severe repercussions, including financial losses for clients,” Leech said in an interview on Friday.

While the company has partnered with digital media to minimize exposure gaps and resorted to alternative courier services, the adjustments come at a cost.

“Canada Post is one of the most cost-effective options for many of our projects. Alternative services are more expensive, and those unforeseen expenses ripple down to our clients,” she added.

The timing of the strike, she said, is also challenging, coinciding with the company’s busy calendar season, which has left thousands of orders potentially delayed.

The strike also has a notable impact on Samaritan House Ministries, a local non-profit.

Executive director Heather Symbalisty told the Sun the social service organization has incurred extra expenses by using courier services to ensure payments are sent and invoices are paid.

Symbalisty noted delays in incoming mail, raising concerns about potential donations being stuck in transit.

“Some people usually mail in financial donations by cheque,” she said in an interview on Friday. “Those cheques might be sitting in limbo, and it’s been harder for people to drop off their donations because they live out of town or have disabilities that prevent them from leaving their homes.”

These donations, she added, are vital for the operation of their food bank, which relies heavily on community support through fundraising and contributions.

To address these challenges, Symbalisty said the organization has encouraged donors to drop off donations at their office at 820 Pacific Avenue, or to send funds via e-transfer.

“We’ve provided them with the email address for e-transfers, and we appreciate their efforts,” she added.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) began a national strike on Nov. 15 after failing to reach an agreement with its employer Canada Post. The dispute centres around wage increases, pensions and medical leave.

Over the weekend, Canada Post said it’s waiting for a response from CUPW, which represents some 55,000 striking workers after it offered a new framework for negotiations.

Carberry Signs, a division of Brandon Print manager Tom Wenham told the Sun the ongoing postal strike has had minimal impact on their business operations.

“Most of the stuff that we receive in shipments comes from a courier company,” Wenham said in an interview. “We’ve had to make other plans for people to pick up their cheque, drop their cheque off, or do e-transfers.”

While these adjustments were necessary, he clarified that overall, “it hasn’t affected us too much.”

Regarding situations where clients outside Brandon require their services, Wenham confirmed they rely on courier services like Purolator or IC Courier.

“We send very few packages by mail,” he noted, adding that customers often have options to pick up their packages, arrange for courier delivery at their expense, or have someone collect them.

Leech highlighted that rural and remote communities reliant on Canada Post are among the hardest hit.

“For many businesses in these areas, Canada Post is not just a convenience, but an essential service. Alternatives are often limited and more expensive,” she said.

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

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