Postal workers locked out (Canada Post)

Sun Media ^ | 2011-06-15 | Daniel Proussalidis, with files from Kate Schwass-Bueckert

[Clive]

OTTAWA - Canada Post says it was forced to shut down operations, locking out striking postal workers nationwide.

The lockout started making the rounds in Twitter posts late Tuesday night by members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.

"Canada Post has locked out all CUPW members nationwide," CUPW Vancouver tweeted.

Canada Post confirmed it "has suspended operations across the country" Tuesday evening.

"The accelerating decline in volumes and revenue combined with the inability to deliver mail on a timely and safe basis has left the company with no choice but to make this decision," a release said.

Canada Post said its estimated losses "are approaching $100 million" after strikes in Toronto and Montreal.

"Canada Post and CUPW remain far apart on several fundamental issues and there has been no progress made at the negotiating table for weeks," the release said. "If we allow the uncertainty created by the rotating strikes to continue, our ability to remain financially self-sufficient and not become a burden on Canadian taxpayers will be in jeopardy."

Canada Post said a lockout "is the best way to bring a timely resolution to this impasse and force the union to seriously consider proposals that address the declining mail volumes and the $3.2-billion pension deficit."

Earlier in the day, Canada Post had warned the rolling strikes could lead to a lockout.

"We're going to try moving the mail as best we can, but there are going to some serious bottlenecks," said Canada Post spokeswoman Anick Losier.

The Crown Corporation had already cut overtime hours and decreased mail delivery to three days per week in what CUPW called a "partial lockout." The union wants federal Labour Minister Lisa Raitt to ask Canada Post to restore full service. So far, Raitt has shown no willingness to intervene.

[randog]

Mail solicitation and catalog publishing companies must be two of the few industries that are still making money - based on what shows up in my mailbox these days.

I've heard that that's the only thing keeping the USPS alive these days.

[hoosierham]

I think eBay generates a huge volume of business for USPS,UPS and FedEx.

[Brizick]

I think eBay generates a huge volume of business for USPS,UPS and FedEx.

For the USPS: NetFlix, medicine, vitamins, contacts, QVC, Publisher's Clearing House, Kohl's, etc.