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Cowichan Lake avoids postal strike uncertainties

On Tuesday Canada Post issued a 72-hour lockout notice, which could mean a work stoppage
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Cowichan Lake post offices will not be affected by a lockout.

On Tuesday Canada Post issued a 72-hour lockout notice, which could mean a work stoppage for Canadian Union of Postal Workers employees as early as Friday.

However, such an outcome will not impact the services at your local post office if  you live around the Lake.

The post offices in Lake Cowichan, Mesachie Lake, Honeymoon Bay and Youbou are not staffed by CUPW members but rather members of the Canadian Postmasters and Assistants Association, which represents rural postal worker for Canada Post.

Employees contacted at the Honeymoon Bay and Lake Cowichan post offices were not permitted to provide any comments on the current discussions between Canada Post and CUPW or their potential impact on customers in the Cowichan Lake area.

However, according to a June 24 press release on CPAA’s website, the association “has confirmation from Canada Post, that it is business as usual for operations in CPAA offices. In the event this position changes, you will be informed at the earliest opportunity.”

The press release goes on to state the union is grateful pensioners and low income families and individuals will not be impacted financially by the potential strike or lock-out.

“Both urban and rural postal workers have an agreement with the Corporation to continue to deliver pension and social assistance cheques, and have further committed to ensuring no live animals get caught in the mail if there is a shutdown due to a labour dispute. We have been told the cheques will be delivered July 20, 2016.”

There are approximately 5,400 full- and part-time Canada Post employees who are CPAA members.

CUPW has over 51,000 members.