A proposal by Canada Post to establish a new dealership outlet in Oliver isn’t sitting well with council or the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW).
The Town is sending a letter to the president of Canada Post requesting the Crown corporation consult with local governments prior to any changes to postal operations in Oliver.
Council reacted to a letter by Southern Interior MP Alex Atamanenko, who expressed concern about new dealership outlets planned for Oliver (Main Street and Co-op Avenue), and the communities of Grand Forks, Nelson and Trail.
Atamanenko urged Canada Post president Deepak Chopra to reconsider this “devastating policy of privatization.”
Atamanenko fears the loss of full-time union jobs when these dealership outlets are established. He noted this will have a major impact on rural communities.
The MP urged Canada Post to work with the CUPW to see how the Oliver and Osoyoos post offices can be maintained.
“Workers are paid a decent living wage and as a result contribute to the viability of our small businesses and economy in general,” Atamanenko said.
National CUPW representative Rona Eckert said the proposed retail outlets that Canada Post wants to locate near existing corporate offices will impact communities. For one thing, it will take revenue away from corporate offices like Oliver and Osoyoos, and will eventually see the demise of good paying jobs, she pointed out.
Eckert said when someone in a corporate office quits or retires, Canada Post won’t refill that position.
According to Eckert, Canada Post is downsizing all corporate outlets to the point where services will be diminished, in effect, redirecting customers to the private franchises.
Eckert noted that these dealership franchises will stay open later and offer service on weekends. The union has offered to do the same, but Canada Post has refused, Eckert said. As far as service goes, she stated that employees in these franchise outlets lack the training required to provide quality service.
Eckert said the only way to fight back is through the public – contacting your MP and writing letters to Canada Post.
Atamanenko empathized with union fears that if a franchise is established within close proximity to a corporate office, this will soon justify reductions in service.
Town councillor Jack Bennest expressed his fear that the post office’s days are numbered.
But Anick Losier, director of media relations for Canada Post, said they are reviewing their retail network across the country to ensure they offer services where customers need it.
“We want to ensure our customers have convenience and continue to use our services, even though our letter mail volumes continue to decline. This is why we have a mix of corporate and dealer post offices to offer such a convenience.”
Losier said they are currently exploring the possibility of adding to their network in Oliver. As part of this process, Canada Post needs to give its union a 90-day period in which they can provide a counter offer to adding a franchise outlet.
“However, it is important to clarify that in no way has a decision been made, nor has an address been actually determined (or a business host for that matter).”
He noted the corporate office in Oliver will continue to operate.
“Basically, we are trying to add more access to the people of Oliver. No jobs will be compromised as our employees have job security (part of their collective agreement).”
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
