Slower parcels, layoffs as Canada Post makes changes in Stephenville
Parcels coming to Stephenville will take the long way around, as Canada Post makes changes that will also result in layoffs in western Newfoundland.
The president of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers in Stephenville, Rick Nippard, says it's been an emotional roller-coaster for his members.
Nippard said the shelving of a plan to stop door-to-door delivery will save five letter carrier jobs. However, other cuts won't be reversed.
The town used to be a "parcel hub", which meant all packages coming to the island would go straight there for sorting.
Nippard said tractor trailers carrying those parcels will now get off the ferry in Port aux Basques and go directly to St. John's.
"This was part of their five point plan, mail consolidation," he said.
He says the change will mean at least a day's delay in west coast customers getting their packages. It will also mean job losses.
"We've got three positions cut inside, in our operations part of our office," said Nippard. "We had 12 temporary workers that are not getting work anymore."
"It is a big hit for a small office."
The changes were effective Oct. 18.