Postal workers could be off the job sooner than later

Jun 28, 2016 | 11:13 AM

KAMLOOPS —  Lockout or strike- either way, Canada Post workers will likely soon be off the job across the country, perhaps as soon as next week. Following a strike vote that went heavily in favor of job action, workers say they’re expecting to be locked out rather than go on strike. Patricia Nauss is the head of postal workers here, and she says they’ve already received a heavy blow from the employer.

“The employer has already given us notice in writing that as of July 2nd, we have no more extended health benefits,” says Nauss. “this means no more prescriptions, physiotherapy, chiropractor. All those benefits have been cut off.”

Nauss says workers here voted 96% to take job action if necessary. That’s slightly above the national vote for both urban and rural workers.Nationally, urban postal workers voted 94 percent in favour of strike action, rural workers voted 91 percent in favour.