With Canada Post labour dispute into its fourth week, Salvation Army donations drop significantly

On Friday (Dec. 6), Canada Post presented another proposal through a mediator to the union. CUPW has been pushing for wage increases, benefit improvements and other job security and safety-related items.

“CUPW just presented another offer to Canada Post in response to Canada Post’s last offer,” explains Arseneau. “I’m hoping mediation really kicks into high gear here and we can come to a good, negotiated settlement this week.”

Arguing a financial need to stay relevant with carrier competitors, Canada Post has been trying to secure a weekend delivery service agreement and more part-time positions. A statement from the company says it will review the latest counter-offer, but refers to it as a step back.

“We are conducting a full review of the offers for the Urban and RSMC (Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers) bargaining units and will share more information as soon as possible. However, we don’t want to provide false hope to impacted employees, small businesses, charities and northern communities that were hoping for a speedy resolution. In the last few weeks, Canada Post has made several important moves to close the gap and reach negotiated agreements, but the union has reverted to their previous positions or increased their demands.”

Heading into Christmas, the Kamloops Salvation Army is among local charities waiting for cheques and donations through the mail. The organization is currently in the midst of its annual kettle campaign and putting together holiday meal hampers for families in need.

“Locally, we are at 47 per cent of our kettle goal, which is the actual cash that comes into our kettles. We’re at $112,000 of our $240,000 goal,” explains Major Orest Goyak. “But with our mail-in campaign, we’re only at 21 per cent of our goal, which represents about $44,000. We should be at about 50 to 60 per cent of that — so as you can see, there’s a direct impact with the mail delivery. We’re just not getting the cheques in.”

Goyak says the organization had sent out mailers about the fundraising campaign prior to the start of the labour disruption, and it expects some cheques are in a holding pattern. Money raised at this time of year pays for the Salvation Army’s emergency food bank, meal services and after-school programs.

“We do have a lot of programs that depend on this money — it is our major fundraiser for the year — so we’ve got to [hit] our goal so that we can continue the support that we offer to the community,” reiterates Goyak.

In the meantime, those who wish to contribute are being asked to save the envelopes for another time and donate in person with cash or card tap at the kettles, drop off contributions at the Salvation Army office at 344 Poplar Street or make a donation online.

by Dylana Kneeshaw

With Canada Post labour dispute into its fourth week, Salvation Army donations drop significantly

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