Ag and the potential Canada Post strike

Ag and the potential Canada Post strike
Nov 07, 2024
By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

Insurance providers are taking precautions and encouraging farmers to do the same

Some ag insurance providers are reminding farmers of the other ways they can conduct business together should Canada Post workers go on strike.

In Manitoba, for example, Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation is encouraging AgriInsurance clients to file their Harvested Production Reports (HPR) on the myMASC online portal by the Dec. 2 deadline.

“There is possibility of a Canada Post strike occurring which will cause a disruption to the Canadian mail system,” MASC says. “Our team is working hard to mitigate the impact felt by our clients, and we suggest you take a few proactive measures.”

Submitting HPR reports by email, fax, in-person or via courier will also bypass any Canadian postal system challenges.

In Alberta, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) started using alternative delivery methods on Oct. 29 and encourages customers to set up direct deposit.

“We are contacting clients who receive payments by mail, and who are in a claim or potential claim position, to arrange alternative delivery,” AFSC said. “If you haven’t already signed up for direct deposit, this may be a good time to consider making the switch.”

AFSC also urges anyone who receives lending statements by mail to consider signing up for online statements.

Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) have been in talks since November 2023.

As of Nov. 5, 2024, Canda Post and the CUPW continue to negotiate, and “neither side has provided notice (minimum 72 hours) of their intent to start a labour disruption,” a Canada Post update says.

CUPW provided an offer to Canada Post on Nov. 5, asking for multiple demands including wage increases of 22 per cent over a four-year period.

On average, Canada Post sorts and delivers about 31 million pieces each day.

On Oct. 31 on X, Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said he met with both sides.

“Parties must do all the necessary work to reach an agreement,” he said.

Farms.com has contacted the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation and Farm Credit Canada for comment on any measures they’re taking to support clients if a Canada Post labour disruption occurs.

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