UNITY — Canada Post has confirmed they have received strike notices from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), for both Urban and Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers bargaining units. These notices have indicated that CUPW will be legally able to begin strike action on Nov. 15 at 12:01 a.m. EST.
In a statement from Canada Post, the CUPW plans to initiate rotating strike activity as Canada Post intends to continue delivery services while working towards an agreement. With the looming strike action, this could mean delays in receiving crucial payments, documents and parcels.
The Government of Saskatchewan has already issued a press release about the potential mail disruption. The Ministry of Social Services is currently developing a plan for alternate distribution of payments for those who receive their benefits by mail.
“Most clients receive payment by direct deposit and will not be affected by the disruption. We encourage clients to consider choosing direct deposit to receive benefit payments,” said the statement.
SGI, SaskTel, SaskPower and SaskEnergy continue to invite customers to sign up for electronic accounts to ensure they receive information about their utility bills, driver’s license renewals and other important communications. Customer service representatives are anticipating longer than usual wait times in the event of a postal service disruption. Customer are encouraged to visit the respective Crown websites regarding outstanding bill payments in the event mail-in payments are not possible.
The Ministry of Health is continuing to accept program applications, documents and receipts for refunds. These may all be submitted by email to [email protected] or can be delivered in person or in the deposit box in Regina at the TC Douglas Building, located at 3475 Albert Street.
For health cards and vital statistics orders, there will be delays with both incoming and outgoing mail. This will include orders for birth, death and marriage certificates. To minimize delays, including online orders for any documents are encouraged to visit eHealthsask.ca.
Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) is working with customers to find alternate options for accessing information typically delivered through Canada Post. Producers are encouraged to sign up for direct deposit for receiving program payments.
The Ministry of Finance is also reminding businesses that they are still required to file and pay taxes in the event of a postal disruption. For non-electronic filing of returns and payments, the due date is the 20th of the month following the end of the reporting period.
The due date for returns filed and paid electronically is the last day of the month following the end of the reporting period. Saskatchewan businesses that receive their refunds through direct deposit will not be affected by the rotating strike action. If you are expecting a refund but not set up for direct deposit can contact the ministry at 1-800-667-6102, delay the receipt of the refund until after the postal disruption or have it sent by courier at the recipient's expense.
