JUNE 24, 2016 – Publishers who use Canada Post to deliver their newspapers are advised to make alternate delivery arrangements in the event of a work stoppage.
Canada Post issued a notice to customers on June 13, 2016, advising that the earliest that a legal work disruption could occur is July 2, 2016, and encouraging customers to take precautions as the day draws near. Formal conciliation between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) on behalf of urban and rural workers ended on June 10 without an agreement, and the two sides entered a 21-day “cooling off” period that concludes on July 1.
No legal work disruption can occur before the cooling-off period ends. Applying this timeline, there can be no legal work disruption before July 2, 2016. The parties will then be in a legal strike or lockout position, providing they have issued a 72-hour notice.
In order to ensure delivery by June 30, refer to the delivery standards for the specific mail service you are using. Mailing dates vary by product or service as well as specific origin and destination. Items deposited later than as stated in the delivery standards could be held in the postal system. By providing updates and sharing timelines, Canada Post hopes to limit the amount of mail that could be trapped in the system in the event of a labour disruption. Affected publishers are encouraged to reach out to your Canada Post account representative for assistance for your particular scenario.
Please note: Mail will not be accessible during a work disruption as Canada Post facilities will not be accessible. Mail that was already accepted will be delivered upon return to work. However, Canada Post will make every effort to deliver all mail items prior to a work disruption.
Newspapers Canada will continue to monitor the situation and keep members informed of further developments. We urge members to investigate both print and digital options to minimize disruption of news delivery to readers. For the latest news, visit the Canada Post section of our website at https://nmc-mic.ca/canadapost.
For more information, contact your Canada Post account representative or any of the following:
Canada Post – Commercial Service Network: Toll-free 1-866-757-5480
Newspapers Canada:
John Hinds, Chief Executive Officer, jhinds@newspaperscanada.ca
Tina Ongkeko, Managing Director, Member Services, tongkeko@newspaperscanada.ca
