With the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) set to go on strike Friday, the potential loss of mailing services could put a financial squeeze on local businesses that rely on affordable shipping.
Postal workers initially walked off the job on Nov. 15, 2024, before suspending job action on Dec. 17. The union has now signalled plans to resume strike activity on Friday.
Kimberly Lewis, owner of Seven Stones by Kimberly in Moose Jaw, said the timing of the initial strike was devastating for her business.
“Where normally I’d be running at 150 per cent during the holiday season, I was running, if I remember correctly, 35 to 40 per cent. It was just awful,” Lewis said.
During the previous strike, she was able to find an alternative shipper, but it came at a cost. She shared shipping expenses with her customers and still ended up paying $700 out of pocket.
“My shipping and handling (with Canada Post) is $4.85, and with this other shipper — your big names — it can be drastically more,” she said.
The added costs led to thousands of dollars in lost revenue. With approximately 80 per cent of her sales coming from outside the local area, reliable and affordable shipping is crucial to her operation.
Lewis, who also works part time for the Saskatchewan Health Authority, said she’s fortunate to have an additional source of income. However, she knows many entrepreneurs don’t have that safety net.
“You never want to be at the point where you have to start using your savings and potentially put yourself in debt,” she said.
While she supports workers’ rights — noting she’s part of a union herself — Lewis said the previous strike dragged on too long. She’s hopeful this round of job action will be resolved more quickly.