The Canadian Union of Postal Workers said it would be in a legal strike position as of Nov. 15 if settlements aren’t reached, but hadn’t decided whether job action will happen at the deadline.
Contingency plans are underway as the Government of Saskatchewan prepares for a possible Canada Post service disruption as soon as Friday.
The union said it would be in a legal strike position as of Nov. 15 if settlements aren’t reached, but hadn’t decided whether job action will happen at the deadline.
Provincial ministries, Crown corporations and organizations are hoping to “minimize the impacts” of potential service disruptions by ensuring payments are available for clients and suppliers.
“The easiest way for clients and suppliers to ensure payments are not disrupted is to switch to direct deposit, as those payments will not be impacted by any changes to postal service,” the province said in a news release issued Wednesday.
Social services payments: Most clients are already set up for direct deposit and won’t be affected by the potential strike, notes the release. For clients who receive their benefits by mail, the Ministry of Social Services is working out a plan for “alternate distribution of payments.”
Drug plan and extended benefits: Program applications, documents or receipts for refund can be emailed to [email protected]. In Regina, residents can submit them via the deposit box or drop them off at the TC Douglas Building at 3475 Albert St.
Health cards and vital statistics: The province says incoming and outgoing mail delays will affect applications for health cards and birth, death and marriage certificates. Options to “minimize delays” can be found at eHealthsask.ca, including online orders.
Crop insurance payments: Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) will work with customers to determine alternatives to accessing information typically delivered through Canada Post, including faxing, emailing or delivering to a customer service office for pickup. Direct payment forms are available at www.scic.ca/crop-insurance/crop-insurance-claims/the-claims-process/direct-deposit.
Payments to Government of Saskatchewan suppliers: The Ministry of Finance will make supplier cheques available for pickup in Regina for anyone unable to register for direct deposit. “Suppliers should contact the ministry at 306-787-7450 to make arrangements,” the release notes.
Filing and paying taxes: “The Ministry of Finance is reminding businesses that they are still required to file and pay taxes in the event of a postal dispute,” the release goes on to say. The deadline for non-electronic filing of returns and payments 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.
Tax refunds: Saskatchewan businesses expecting a refund but not set up with direct deposit should call 1-800-667-6102 to either sign up for direct deposit, delay the refund until after the disruption or have it sent to by courier (at the recipient’s expense). In the event of a strike, clients, suppliers and businesses are asked to visit saskatchewan.ca/postal-strike for more detailed information.
Crown Utility accounts, bills and more: SGI, SaskTel, SaskPower and SaskEnergy “invite customers to proactively sign up for electronic accounts to ensure they receive information about their utility bills, driver’s licence renewals and other important communications,” the release says. “Information is also available online regarding options for paying outstanding bills in the event mail-in payments are not possible.”
The union has said whether it decides to strike or not depends on Canada Post’s actions at the bargaining table in the coming days.
“After almost a year of bargaining, despite our best efforts, the parties remain far apart on many issues,” the union said in Tuesday’s statement.
— with files from The Canadian Press
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