Postal workers protest new delivery method - Canada

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Nearly 75 postal workers walked off the job Monday, after a letter carrier was disciplined for reorganizing his deliveries.

It’s just the latest shot in a dispute between the post office and its employees over a new delivery method being pioneered in Winnipeg.

"Once the other letter carriers found out that they had suspended somebody for that, they just reacted I guess and decided that they were just going home," said Bob Tyre, president of the Postal Workers Union.

The new delivery system was introduced in Winnipeg two months ago. It’s a first in Canada, where a so-called state of the art mail facility streamlined mail sorting.

Letter carriers are also now equipped with vans for larger loads and longer routes, but they say it’s a health hazard.

"The new method requires that them to carry mail on their arm, so not only do they have to try and balance mail all day while walking, they can't see their feet," said Tyre.

Veteran letter carrier, Gord Boughton, says after five weeks trying the new double bundle system, he's had to take a medical leave, suffering from arm and lower back pain.

"I know that both injuries are directly a result of the change in the work process. Being inside that step van, being a tall guy I have to slouch all the time," said Boughton.

Postal workers say they want to sort their deliveries into one convenient bundle.

However, Canada Post says the new system is not only time efficient, but tried and true in the United States.

"We're quite disappointed they walked off the job today, because it will impact our customers," explains Kathi Neal, spokesperson for Canada Post.

The letter carriers are expected to return to work Tuesday, but Canada Post won't say whether or not their one day job action will result in any discipline.

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