Important Notice - Canada Post Strike Looming (Updated 5/30)

[RGM81]

This is a very importance notice to all SCF traders who live in Canada or trade with our Canadian members.

There is a labour dispute right now between the union that represents Canada Post employees (CUPW) and the Crown corporation - their collective bargaining agreement is expiring and if no new agreement is in place by Tuesday (this coming Monday is a holiday in Canada) the employees have voted to strike as of Wednesday.

This means that all non-essential mail (i.e. EIA and welfare cheques) will not be delivered. This will result in significant delays for any ongoing trades involving Canadian members using regular mail options. If you are sending packages with Fed Ex you will not be affected, but the overwhelming majority of packages will not be making their way to people's mailboxes.

SCF requests that all members keep this information in mind. We know that delivery to Canada has been somewhat slow in recent weeks due to Canada Customs, and that problem will be further exacerbated by the Canada Post strike, should it take place. Where possible, if you have deals with Canadian members, let them know that any packages in trades/sales have shipped and on what date. This will give members assurances that deals are being delayed due to the strike. As always communication is critical.

We understand and appreciate that the strike will have a major impact on SCF and the volume of trades that take place. It is something that is entirely out of our control, so we can only hope that the strike is averted; failing that, let us hope that it is over quickly so that we can resume normal trading practices.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the SCF Staff.

*UPDATE 5/30* - http://www.cknw.com/Channels/Reg/New...spx?ID=1425842

Canada Post workers may be on strike come Thursday, after their union served a seventy-two hour strike notice in Toronto this morning.

Canada Union of Postal Workers BC national rep John Bail says they also put a global offer on the table.

"We've asked that they reconsider demands for the major concessions, unsafe work methods, twenty-two percent wage reduction for new hires, and elimination of a sick leave plan for over 40 years."

Now that the strike notice has been served, fifty thousand postal workers are eligible to walk of the job Thursday morning.

[danthevintageman]

That sucks !!
Canada post already charges us ridiculous money for shipping rates now they want to go on strike?
I wish are shipping rates were as the low as the USA.
Rates will probably go up again if the strike goes through.
YUK

[danthevintageman]

Sorry guys only wanted to put one reply but a whole bunch went through.
Maybe my computer is acting up or the forum.

[RGM81]

A quick update on this for everybody....

Even though the deadline on a new labour contract will pass today, and there is still no new agreement in place, the union has not served its 72-hour intent to strike notice. This means that there will be no delays in the mail for at least this week.

[RGM81]

Update: http://www.globaltvbc.com/Canada+Pos...763/story.html

CALGARY – The union representing Canada Post employees says it will file a 72-hour strike notice on Friday.
“After months of talks, it’s time to draw our line in the sand,” said Bev Ray, president of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) in Edmonton.
“We have now reached the point where we may have to give notice that in 72 hours, we will be forced to strike if Canada Post does not drop its rollbacks and address some of our demands.”
--------------------------------
This is not good news. Will update further as necessary.

[RGM81]

Please see original post for important update today.

The 72-hour intent to strike notice has officially been served. If no resolution happens, Canada Post employees can legally strike as of Thursday.

[tdavidautos]

Brutal.

[Greengoblin782]

Is there still any problems shipping or receiving items from Canada.

[redwing40]

Yes, nothing coming in or out of Canada

[Greengoblin782]

Ok, thanks.