As the strike continues into its third week, Canadians are facing the possibility of a prolonged labour conflict into the holidays
More than 55,000 Canada Post workers have been off the job since Nov. 15, stopping the delivery of mail and parcels to people, businesses and charities during the busy holiday season.
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Canada Post and the union have not reached a deal and federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon suspended mediation talks last week because the parties’ positions were too far apart.
As the strike continues into its third week, Canadians are facing the possibility of a prolonged labour conflict into the holidays.
This suspension of mail leaves many Canadians unable to get bills, municipal notices and government assistance cheques, not to mention Christmas cards, gifts and parcels and letters to Santa.
Here’s what you need to know about your mail, deliveries and other options:
Do I still have to pay my credit card bills on time?
Yes. Banks are urging customers to switch to online statements and e-banking to stay on top of their statements and credit card bills.
“Please remember it’s important that you continue to make your required payments to keep your accounts in good standing,” wrote RBC in a notice to customers on its website.
BMO also reminded customers they are responsible for making timely payments on credit cards, mortgages and loans, even if they don’t receive usual bank correspondence by mail.
How can I stay on top of utility bills, licence requirements and other municipal mail?
The Canada Post strike affects most municipalities’ mailed-out communications to residents and businesses, including outstanding property tax notices, business licence notices, metered utility bills, dog licence renewal notices and other documents.
Most municipalities likely won’t take the “I didn’t get the mail” excuse either, warning that late fees, interest charges and penalties could apply for people who pay late.
Most municipalities encourage residents and businesses to sign up for online accounts to get notices by email. There are also several options to pay, including online through the bank or dropping off a cheque in person at city hall.
On Tuesday, the City of Richmond warned residents it isn’t able to mail out public notifications to neighbours of a property subject to a development permit meeting.
What happens to my passport/passport application?
If you had mailed your application just before the strike began, it is possible Service Canada has not received the application and is unable to process the application until mail service resumes, said a spokeswoman with Employment and Social Development Canada.
You have better options if you’ve already submitted your application and are waiting for your passport to be mailed out.
Service Canada put a temporary hold on mailing out passports after Nov. 8 in anticipation of a strike. It said about 185,000 passports are ready to be mailed and are being held during the strike.
What about government benefit cheques?
Canada Post will continue to deliver some government benefit cheques, such as the Canada Child Benefit, Canada Pension Plan and old age security, even during the job action.
The federal government said it will release CPP and OAS cheques earlier each month to make sure people receive the payments on time.
Other benefits, credits and rebates will be held until the strike is over. The Canada Revenue Agency urged people to sign up for direct deposits to avoid missing payments.
What about online shopping deliveries?
About 80 per cent of Canada’s small businesses use Canada Post, said the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
Those who can may have shifted to alternative courier companies to get their orders out. But that comes at a higher cost.
The strike is costing small businesses $76 million a day, said the federation, with increased costs stemming in part from higher delivery costs and lost orders.
The organization is urging Ottawa to intervene and introduce back-to-work legislation or impose binding arbitration.
Does this mean I can’t send Christmas cards?
Not through Canada Post, and letters and cards are pricey if sent via courier companies like FedEx or UPS.
If you love sending Christmas cards, consider sending an e-card this year, or taking a photo of the card, sending it via email, then sending the actual card once Canada Post service resumes.
Or, pick up the phone and call your loved one or friend this holiday season and use the money you’d spend on cards and postage and donate it to a local charity.
What are alternative courier options?
If you really want to send that Christmas parcel, you’ll have to use private couriers.
Major ones include FedEx, UPS Canada and Purolator, the courier subsidiary of Canada Post, which has about 2,900 locations across the country. It is continuing to accept and deliver shipments during the strike.
What about letters to Santa?
Canada Post has been operating a popular Santa Letter program for the past 40 years, delivering up to 1.5 million letters a year from Canadian kids to the North Pole.
That might be in jeopardy this year if the strike continues.
On Tuesday, Canada Post said it has removed the initial deadline of Dec. 6 to mail a letter to Santa. It said once operations resume, it’ll ensure all letters make it to the North Pole and receive a reply, although it cannot guarantee delivery dates.
How are charities being affected?
Most charities receive the majority of their donations in November and December, and the Canada Post job action is hitting some charities hard.
The Vancouver General Hospital and UBC Hospital Foundation’s Millionaire Lottery said its lottery brochure mail-out and ticket sales were affected.
“Mail campaigns are a crucial way for us to connect with supporters and raise awareness about the VGH Millionaire Lottery,” said foundation president Angela Chapman. “The strike has severely impacted our ability to reach ticket buyers, many of whom rely on mailed materials to participate.”
Most charities are scrambling to highlight other ways of donating, such as through the phone, online or in-person locations.
People who want to purchase tickets for the Millionaire Lottery can do so online, by phone at 604-602-5848 or toll-free at 1-888-445-5825 or in person at London Drugs locations.