Canada Post’s restructuring plan — now in the hands of the federal government — will lead to significant service and job cuts, says the union representing 53,000 postal workers.
The plan, including which includes elimination of home mail delivery, increased use of community mailboxes and the closure of some rural post offices, was submitted to federal Infrastructure Minister Joel Lightbound on Friday, the Crown corporation confirmed Monday.
“The comprehensive plan we have submitted responds to our challenges and modernizes the postal service to support today’s economy while serving all Canadians,” Canada Post CEO Doug Ettinger said in a written statement. “While our situation requires that we act with urgency, we will be thoughtful and respectful in our approach and responsive to feedback. Canadians deserve a postal service that is strong, stable and focused on meeting their changing needs, and we are focused on delivering that.”
In late September, Lightbound gave Canada Post the green light for a restructuring and asked them to submit a plan within 45 days.
A spokesperson confirmed Lightbound had received the plan.
“We have received Canada Post’s implementation plan and are reviewing it closely,” said Lightbound spokesperson Laurent De Casanove.
Canada Post said Monday that it won’t make the plan public until it’s given the final go-ahead by the federal government.
“We will continue to collaborate with the government on our plan, now that we have submitted our proposal,” the Crown corporation said. “Canada Post looks forward to sharing the details of its transformation plan with customers, employees and all Canadians once it is finalized and endorsed.”
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers said it was being kept in the dark on details of the plan, but said it’s clear that cuts are coming.
“Canada Post has not shared the plan with CUPW,” the union said in a press release. “These cuts to good jobs and postal services, including the end of to-the-door delivery, will harm communities and businesses in rural, remote and Indigenous areas as well as seniors and persons with disabilities.”
The union also demanded a full public review of the plan before it’s implemented.
“It’s appalling that these cuts could go forward without input from Canada Post’s stakeholders: Canadians. There must be a full, transparent public mandate review, which includes all voices,” CUPW said.
