Over 150 postal workers in Prince George continue to work through the Holiday rush as the federal government order an end to the postal strike through its back-to-work legislation this week.
The move by Ottawa is being viewed as an unpopular one by the workers’ union as well as other bargaining units across the country.
Local CUPW President, Clark Rasmussen explained how they could challenge the legislation.
“We could contest that in court but at this time, we are looking at all of our options and the table is still there. The government could phone Canada Post right now and tell them to get a deal done and that is the option before a mediator or an arbitrator starts his work.”
“A lot of unions across Canada right and even citizens themselves are standing up and they believe our rights were infringed upon and it’s a constitutional right for our workers to have the right to strike and the government came along and took that away from us.”
Canada Post has stated domestic parcels won’t be arriving until January, while anything from out-of-country may not come until March.
However, Rasmussen disputes those claims, saying postal workers have dealt with similar workloads in the past.
“We’re busy but nothing out of control and we do think those numbers are a little bit fabricated when it comes to the million parcels or more. Well, a million parcels we did that 67 times last year each day throughout the holiday season.”
MP’s voted to end the postal strike earlier this week.
On Saturday, there is going to be a Solidarity March in Prince George starting at 3 PM supporting postal workers and their right to strike.