With postal workers on strike across Canada, local members are picketing in front of the post office in Portage la Prairie. Union Local President Dave McLeod says the strike began Thursday at 11 p.m., noting that the deadline was midnight Eastern Time, and shares details of what's transpiring.
"The union and the corporation have been negotiating for about a year now for a new contract. So, we've been without a contract for about a year, and they're just not really making any headway. So, the union made the decision Thursday night that we're walking out. I hope it's not long, but I know the NDP has said they won't back back-to-work legislation. So, that tells me it could be a long one, but we're hopeful that if they get something done fairly quickly."
McLeod adds that the Liberals, as a minority government, need the backing of another party to push back-to-work legislation through.
"It's not a great feeling, obviously. I mean, I'd rather be out there on my morning walk, talking to my customers. It's not a great feeling, but it is what it is. You gotta fight for what you think you deserve."
McLeod says his wages are on pause, and they are not getting paid while they’re picketing.
"Personally, for myself, my wife also works for Canada Post. So, basically, our entire wage is out the window today, for sure. And who knows for how long? The strike is about our wages and working conditions. They're trying to mess with our pension, and there's a bunch of different things."