Postal union holds public forum on Canada Post cuts

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers hosted a public forum at the St. John's Cultural Centre Saturday morning to hear from Albertans who may be affected by recent cuts to postal service.

In December Canada Post announced it would be stopping door-to-door delivery and increase the price of stamps.

Canada Post has said that over the next five years, it will eliminate 6,000 to 8,000 positions, but it expects 15,000 workers will leave the company or retire within that period.

Edmonton resident Enneke Lorberg was one of the dozens that showed up to speak at the forum.

"I'm mad like hell about this postal issue," Lorberg said. "This is so terribly alarming - and the way it came about - it was all put in place behind closed doors."

Public action

CUPW President Bev Ray said if people aren't happy with the cuts they need to make their voices heard.

"If they want a public post office - and they want to see that protected - we're suggesting they meet with their federal MP's, they write letters to Lisa Raitt," Ray said.

Raid said CUPW invited Canada Post to the meeting but never got a reply.

Canada Post issued a statement to CBC Edmonton this afternoon

"Less and less mail each year means change is needed to protect Canada's postal service.  Ignoring that reality would quickly result in losses big enough to threaten (its existence).  Becoming a drain on the the taxpayers is not an option," the statement said.

Ray said that explanation isn't good enough for her.

"I don't know of any business that says the way you deal with your issues is to take away the services you provide to customers - and charge them more," Lorberg she said.