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Strain on Alberta’s businesses
As the holiday season approaches, Alberta businesses are feeling the heat from the ongoing Canada Post strike. With only two weeks left until Christmas, many retailers are scrambling to keep up with demand. One such business, Cloud Nine Pajamas, has seen a dramatic shift in its operations.
The company’s E-commerce manager, Jeanie Borremans, noted that their online sales have surged from five percent to fifty percent over the past two years, making Canada Post’s services crucial for reaching rural customers and those with P.O.
boxes.
“It’s just been crazy to have to pivot basically every single day,” Borremans explained. The company has been forced to explore alternative shipping options to fulfill holiday orders, which has added to the stress of an already busy season.
“Every day the team and I decide who we’re going to be shipping with, like who’s been taking the longest to get those parcels out,” she added, highlighting the unpredictable nature of their current shipping strategy.
Government intervention calls
The situation has prompted Alberta’s provincial government to call for federal intervention.
Jobs, Economy and Trade Minister Matt Jones expressed concern over the “lack of progress” in negotiations between Canada Post and its workers. He emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent further harm to Alberta’s economy and the livelihoods of its residents.
“The federal government must use every tool at its disposal to end this strike,” Jones stated, reflecting the urgency felt by many local businesses.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB) has echoed these sentiments, estimating that the labor dispute is costing small businesses millions of dollars each day.
Policy analyst Bradlee Whidden suggested that back-to-work legislation could be a viable solution, urging the federal government to consider all options to resolve the issue swiftly.
Federal response and future outlook
Despite the mounting pressure, Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon has indicated that Ottawa will not intervene directly at this time. “It’s time for these parties to reflect the great responsibility that they have and get on with these negotiations,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of dialogue between the involved parties.
In the meantime, businesses like Cloud Nine Pajamas are adapting to the challenges posed by the strike. They continue to utilize various couriers to ensure timely deliveries and have even set up a snack station in their store to show appreciation for the hard work of delivery personnel. “We know they’re working extra just to get our customers’ packages to them before Christmas, and they are doing a phenomenal job,” Borremans said, highlighting the resilience of both businesses and their partners in navigating this difficult period.
