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Canada Post strikes hit Nanaimo even as Senate passes back-to-work bill

Back-to-work legislation would force postal employees back on the job by noon

Postal workers across the Nanaimo went on strike for what could be the last time Tuesday morning, as the Senate passed back-to-work legislation.

According to Canada Post, workers in Nanaimo joined their colleagues in Surrey, New Westminster, Maple Ridge and throughout the Fraser Valley in going on strike at 7 a.m.

This is the sixth week of rotating strikes nationwide, as the Canadian Union of Postal Workers fights for pay equity and better working conditions for rural workers.

A mediator had been called in weeks ago, but with no sign of success, the Senate passed back-to-work legislation 53-25 Monday.

The bill forced mail service to resume at 9 a.m. on Tuesday.

Legislators had said getting postal workers back to work was a priority with incoming holidays, but the union called the bill “unconstitutional” and has vowed to fight it in court.

Negotiations have been going on for nearly a year. Canada Post said the more recent walkouts have lead to backlogs of mail and parcel deliveries at its plants in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal.

READ MORE: B.C. postal worker accuses Canada Post of questionable tactics during strike

– With files from The Canadian Press

READ MORE: Vancouver Island postal worker accuses Canada Post of questionable tactics during strike

– With files from The Canadian Press


@katslepian

katya.slepian@bpdigital.ca

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