KENORA — Canada Post workers picketing in Kenora had a clear message: they want fair wages and a secure pension plan.
“Everybody’s sticking together, it’s a very positive vibe today. It’s been about a year since we’ve had a contract,” said Glen Hayward, president of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) 554 Kenora. “We didn’t want to go on strike, but the government doesn’t seem to want to budge on anything.”
There are 28 CUPW members in Kenora, according to Hayward.
Postal workers chatting on the line were frustrated by a possible pension benefits loss, especially for those who are looking towards retiring soon as Canada Post wants to change the way they contribute to the plan. Newer hires will also have a different system for their pension plan and workers were worried that their future savings will not be as expected.
The rate of pay a new hire receives is also a leading concern on the Kenora picket line. Employees said the pay rate used to be higher and everyone started at the current union rate, rather than having to work up to a higher wage. They said base-wage value is around $22.50.
Hayward said contracts haven’t even covered inflation rates.
Kevin Bunn, a mail carrier part under the rural and suburban mail carriers subsector, said he’s really fighting to receive compensation for time worked.
Rural carriers are paid a per-day rate based on typical work hours, he said but driving distances in Northwestern Ontario and the Kenora outskirts makes it difficult to get all their deliveries done within the compensated time.
“It’s challenging,” said Bunn. “We want to make sure that we negotiate a collective agreement with Canada Post. It’s going to take a while but hopefully we get things done and get back to work,” said Bunn.
Hayward said the timing of the strike is unfortunate for the community and surrounding area, but says it offers a lot of impact to hopefully get contract talks moving forward.
“How long will we be out? Last time it was two days, the time before that it was a couple of weeks. Until we’re back, who knows?” said Hayward.
Striking workers say they understand how this can be an inconvenience for many people but they are optimistic it will make positive changes.
“We really appreciate everyone supporting us during this time,” said Bunn.
