Saskatchewan residents may receive a little help in receiving their mail and packages from a different source during the potential Canada Post work stoppage. The Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) are prepared to step in and assist with delivering mail as Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers are disputing over contract negotiations.

A strategy has been created by STC to ensure there is ample staffing to continue delivering documents and packages within Saskatchewan during the work disruption. Canada Post has issued a 72-hour lockout notice to the CUPW which started Tuesday. The Crown corporation extended the lockout this morning until Monday so both sides have more time to create a plan. Although, the possibility of a work stoppage has become certain with both sides unable to reach an agreement.

Canada Post announced Tuesday morning it plans to suspend the collective agreement as of Friday. Although, the lockout does not necessarily mean it will shut down on Friday. Canada Post are using this as an opportunity to reorganize and respond to the changing structure of the business.

CUPW claim the Crown corporation are using the notice to force the workers into submission over the matter by locking them out.

It has been reported the main conflict from the negotiations derive from changes to employee pensions plans.

In the meantime, other services such as STC are ready to assist with distributing mail in Saskatchewan until CUPW and the Crown corporation are able to reach an agreement on terms for a new contract.