'It's getting a bit scary': Calgary Canada Post worker worried as national strike drags on

Jennifer Henson, a rural-suburban mail carrier with 16 years of experience, is growing increasingly concerned as the Canada Post strike enters its second week. Based in Calgary, she delivers mail in Bragg Creek, Alberta, and along Highway 8.

Henson shared that the prolonged strike is creating significant financial strain for her family. “It’s getting a bit daunting, it’s getting a bit scary. Obviously, we’re not making a paycheck — and in today’s economy, [that’s] not suitable for anybody,” she said.

Both Henson and her spouse are Canada Post employees, leaving the household without income during the strike. As a result, her family has temporarily moved in with her parents, and she has deferred payments on several expenses to make ends meet. She is also providing for two teenage sons, adding to the financial pressure.

Despite these challenges, Henson said she and her colleagues on the picket line have received support from the community. “People smile and wave and honk as they drive by. Some have even brought us coffee or shared words of encouragement, which helps morale hugely,” she explained. However, not all reactions have been positive, with some criticizing the strike for happening so close to the holidays, accusing workers of "canceling Christmas."

“This is the time when we’re in the position to strike, and it’s unfortunate,” Henson said. “As much as it’s hurting us, it’s also hurting the public, which we don’t want.”

The strike centers on demands for safer working conditions, better pay, and maintaining pensions and benefits. Henson believes these requests are reasonable given the rising cost of living. “At the end of the day, we all want a job, a career we can be proud of, and one that pays the bills. We’re not asking for the moon and the stars; we’re asking for a fair wage increase,” she said.

Henson admitted she didn’t anticipate the strike to last this long and hoped for a resolution before Black Friday, one of the busiest times leading up to the holiday season. “How long is this going to go on? It’s terrifying. Canada Post workers are no different than any other Canadian. We’re all struggling.”

Wycliffe Oduor, president of the Calgary local chapter of the postal workers' union, echoed these concerns. He noted that members are feeling disappointed and financially strained as negotiations continue without resolution. “I’m hearing this from our members. They expected a contract before the end of the year,” Oduor said, adding that benefits have been discontinued during the strike.

According to Oduor, some employees have faced challenges accessing life-saving prescriptions or continuing with planned surgeries due to the lack of coverage. He also noted the temporary layoffs of striking employees, with at least one worker, employed since 2017, already affected. “That’s painful and hard on families, especially going into the holiday season. But I reassured him that our union will stand up for him and fight for reinstatement,” Oduor said.

In a statement, Canada Post confirmed the temporary layoffs and noted that adjustments to operations were necessary due to the ongoing strike. The corporation also stated that it had offered the union the option to cover the cost of employee prescription benefits during the strike, but the union declined. Canada Post emphasized its commitment to negotiating new collective agreements and said it is considering options to accelerate the process.