Looming Canada Post lockout worries mail-reliant people in Nunavut
‘My first worry is if I can deliver to my customers the items that they ordered,’ says business owner
Many Nunavummiut still rely on old-fashioned mail and are worried about how they will receive essentials in the absence of regular postal service.
Canada Post has given notice to the Canadian Union of Postal Workers that employees could be locked out as of Monday because negotiations have failed to reach a contract.
Although the post office employees in Nunavut are represented by the Canadian Postmasters and Assistants Association (CPAA) and will not be locked out by Canada Post, a lockout means they won't be accepting or delivering mail.
However, CPAA workers say they are supporting CUPW.
During a lockout, the post office in Iqaluit will be open and the workers will be coming to work.
Confusion about cheque delivery
CUPW and Canada Post have an agreement in place for the delivery of federal cheques, such as pension and Old Age Security, but many people are still confused about the implication of a lockout.
"It will be very difficult," said Oonga Kilabuk.
"My pension is the only income coming to me right now."
CPAA also said all government cheques will be delivered during a lockout.
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Many small businesses are also worried about the effects of a work stoppage.
Rannva Simonsen, who runs a sealskin boutique, said she relies heavily on postal services and sends at least one package to a customer each week through Canada Post.
"My first worry is if I can deliver to my customers the items that they ordered," she said.