The federal government plans to introduce back-to-work legislation today, June 20, to end the lockout at Canada Post.
Last Thursday, labour minister Lisa Raitt announced plans to introduce legislation to end both the Air Canada strike and the Canada Post labour dispute. With the subsequent resolution to the Air Canada strike, the legislation’s focus will now be the postal issue.
The planned back-to-work legislation will not pass through Parliament easily if the NDP has its way, however.
Yvon Godin, the party’s labour critic, said the NDP plans to hold up the legislation, as he said it impairs the ability of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) to come to a fair agreement with Canada Post.
How long the NDP could delay the legislation is unknown, he said, but the Globe and Mail is reporting the Conservatives want it passed, along with the budget, by June 23.
With the back-to-work legislation pending, CUPW officials have been meeting with MPs from across the country, urging them not to vote in favour of the legislation.
In addition, a number of rallies were held over the weekend to boost public support for the union, and a protest is planned for Monday in Ottawa against the back-to-work legislation.
Despite the lockout and the uncertainty over when mail delivery will resume in full, postal workers will be delivering social assistance and pension cheques starting June 20.
Furthermore, the Alberta government has activated its “emergency mail plan,” according to the CBC. The plan will allow Albertans to send and receive critical mail from the government during the postal disruption. Details are available on the Service Alberta website.
In-town subscribers who get their paper via the mail are welcome to pick up this week’s edition at the Westlock News office at 9871 - 107 Street.
In Pickardville, the News will be available at a blue paper box in front of the post office. Busby subscribers can continue to pick up their copy from the Busy Bee Mart.
In Legal and Vimy a blue paper box will be set up for folks to get their copy. In Clyde, subscribers can get their copy at the Clyde Corner Store.
Folks in Dapp can get their edition at the Dapp Corner Store, while in Jarvie subscribers are directed to the Jarvie General Store to get their newspaper.
Fawcett folks are directed to the Fawcett Husky to pick up their copy of the paper. Smith and Flatbush will be directed to either the Fawcett Husky or Flatbush General Store.
