The strike against Canada Post could affect a long-held tradition in the annual Downtown Timmins Santa Claus Parade this Saturday night.
For years, members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers have walked in the parade, gathering letters to Santa Claus.
Ed Yee, president of the Timmins local of CUP-W says if the strike is still on, his members are not allowed to do that.
“I’ve been told that Canada Post is going to handle it,” he says. “Because I know we’re told to direct everything to Canada Post. There’s an official response from them. But officially, the union is not allowed.”
My Timmins Now Dot Com has reached out to Canada Post for that statement.
Meanwhile, a new mediator has been at the table with the two sides in the dispute.
“I guess give it a couple days, we’ll see,” notes an optimistic Yee. “My understanding is there is movement now, so that’s good. But I’m a realist. I’d be surprised if we’re back by early next week.”
Benefits and sick leave are among the issues.
