Information picket lines have gone up at the Canada Post distribution centre in St. Albert after rural and suburban mail carriers walked off the job.

“Our members are furious over changes introduced without notice that could cost them thousands of dollars per year,” says Bev Ray, president of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) Local 730 in Edmonton.

The rural and suburban mail carriers at the distribution centre at 131 – 1 Hebert Road, St. Albert, were given letters by Canada Post yesterday saying that the number of parcels they delivered was being cut.

“There was no discussion with the carriers beforehand. In fact, Canada Post said the new rules came into effect April 11, even though the letters weren’t given to the carriers until April 12,” says Ray.

The carriers, who use their own vehicles and pay for their own insurance to deliver the mail, get paid per piece of mail delivered, so a cut in parcels means a cut in pay that could come to thousands of dollars per year.

“These workers have not had a pay increase for more than two years. To arbitrarily announce measures that will seriously cut their wages is an appalling and inconsiderate move by Canada Post management,” says Ray.

About 15 rural and suburban mail carriers are affected at the St. Albert centre, but CUPW is concerned that similar measures are being planned at other Canada Post facilities across the country.

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Contact:

For more information contact: Bev Ray, President at 780-423-9000 or 780-719-4555