B.C. Business Owners Gear Up for Second Canada Post Strike
Business owners in British Columbia are encountering further financial challenges.
Canada Post strike
, following unionized postal workers serving the company with a strike notification on Monday, intending to walk out on Friday.
Emma May, who owns the women’s clothing store Sophie Grace Designs, primarily handles sales through online orders. Nevertheless, she mentions that during strikes at Canada Post, she struggles to deliver products to customers in remote regions.
She mentioned that they serve customers throughout the country and even extend their services into the states, though that comes with an entirely different set of issues regarding tariffs.
She said it’s a significant matter.
CBC’s The Early Edition.
May states that during last year’s Canada Post strike, business owners in B.C. were also grappling with issues related to the port strike simultaneously – this year, they’re facing tariffs instead.
The fact that companies around here are revisiting this and asking, ‘Why do we have to go through this once more?’ isn’t very appealing.
If Canada Post employees decide to strike, businesses have to rely on private courier firms to dispatch their products. Usually, these courier services come with higher prices compared to Canada Post.
In November 2024, Canada Post employees went on strike for 32 days, after which the government mandated their return to work on December 17. By May, both parties—the workers and the corporation—were instructed to reach a new agreement; however, this has not been achieved yet.
May, who deals with suits, silk garments, and other high-end products, believes her business can handle a rise in shipping costs. Nonetheless, many of her fellow entrepreneurs selling goods priced between $10 and $30 may face significant challenges due to this change.
Connally McDougall, who owns a different clothing business based in Vancouver, expressed that she isn’t shocked to learn about the strike notification since the postal employees didn’t receive the modifications they sought after during the last strike in November.
The McDougall-owned company, Connolly Goods, emphasizes inclusive sizing across genders and primarily conducts sales through their website. Opting for third-party shippers like UPS, FedEx, and Purolator increases expenses and requires additional effort in terms of logistical adjustments.
She mentioned that sending a package to New Brunswick previously cost around $15 but has increased to $22 as she had to resort to using an alternative service provider.
We certainly require Canada Post.
Customs duties do not impact her business significantly since her items are produced locally. However, dedicating time to stay informed about postal disruptions and instructing clients regarding delivery logistics proves to be quite expensive.
McDougall indicates that certain courier services have started imposing an additional charge of $2 for each domestic package as a result of increased demand stemming from the Canada Post strike notification.
I can’t fault them; if anything, I hope this encourages the company to reach a fair agreement.
Fiona Famulak, who serves as both the president and CEO of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, indicates that the shipping issues stemming from postal worker strikes along with recent disturbances at ports and railways lead to an “uncertainty within our supply chain.”
In a
press release
The British Columbia Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction stated that they are implementing measures to guarantee recipients of provincial disability or income assistance continue to receive their payments despite the Canada Post strike.
In another
press release
The Surrey Board of Trade along with the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce have urged the Canadian government and Canada Post to work together on an enduring solution that safeguards both services and the rights of workers.
Canada Post presented
a new offer
To the Canadian Union ofPostalWorkers on Wednesday,whichit saysshares a proposal includinga 13.59% wageincrease overfour yearspannedforcurrentCanadaPostemployees.
Additionally, with this new offer, individuals joining the company following the signing of the updated collective agreement will be eligible for health and pension benefits after completing six months of continuous service.
CUPW has mentioned they are examining the proposal. However, they also stated on Wednesday that this offer falls short of their final request for a 19 percent increase in members’ basic salaries to align with escalating cost-of-living expenses.