Although the front door is technically unlocked, the 11 full time and part time Canada Post employees that work in the Smithers post office were officially locked out and walking a picket line first thing Wednesday morning.
Canadian Union of Postal Workers Local 828 President Sandra Elkin is crediting the public for their patience. She said that in a town the size of Smithers, where many customers are familiar faces or neighbours, the reaction has generally been very understanding.
“We haven't had anyone be negative in any way,” she said.
Elkin said she is still hoping for a negotiated settlement, as she believes arbitrated agreements tend to leave all parties unhappy with the outcome.
“My fear is that they're going to treat us like Air Canada and legislate us back to work,” she said.
The lockout comes after just under two weeks of rotating strikes. Canada Post released a statement late Tuesday explaining their decision.
The statement reads, in part, that “we believe that a lockout is the best way to bring a timely resolution to this impasse and force the union to seriously consider proposals that address the declining mail volumes and the $3.2 billion pension deficit.”
Elkin said the Smithers employees didn't know how long they expect to be walking the sidewalk in front of the post office. For the time being, local 828 members will be picketing daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“I just know that we'll be here every day until they let us go back to work,” said Elkin.
For the time being, residents will be able to pick up any mail that made it to the post office before Tuesday evening. Rural route delivery will happen for the mail that was already sorted prior to the lockout, since a different union represents those workers.
Interior News subscribers can pick up their copy of the paper at the News office, at 3764 Broadway Avenue. Subscribers in the Hazeltons can pick up their copy from McDonald's Store in New Hazelton.