Have you called your MP about privatization and deregulation of Canada Post?

The fight we have been expecting to privatize, deregulate or change the mandate of Canada Post is upon us.

Canada Post’s competition and right wing forces have been chasing their dream of taking down the post office since the Tories were elected.  International mailers have been lobbying members of Parliament from all parties and the federal government now appears to be considering a reduction in Canada Post's exclusive privilege to satisfy the concerns of international mailers. In addition, the think-tank, the CD Howe Institute, is calling for a "rethink" of the role and mandate of Canada Post, including privatization and gradual deregulation.

Canada Post's private sector competitors and others have been talking to members of Parliament (MPs) from all parties and, as a result, we need to talk to MPs too.

We need to ask MPs where they stand on privatization and deregulation of our public post office. And we need to do this very quickly as there could be an election any day now.

Call your MP. You can get a leaflet which explains how to find your MP and what you should say to your MP from your local or the union’s website: 

http://www.publicpostoffice.ca and go to take action.

When: MPs are in their constituency offices from April 2 to 13. This is the ideal time to call, but you can call any time.

Why? A private-sector or deregulated post office would almost certainly look at cost-cutting measures such as eliminating jobs, reducing wages and closing post offices to increase profits.

If Canada Post were deregulated, private companies would have the right to compete for the lucrative letter market but they would not necessarily be obliged to provide universal service like our public post office.   

Deregulation would threaten revenues, services and jobs at Canada Post and ultimately its ability to provide universal service at uniform rates.

If Canada Post were privatized, it would not have to consider the public’s interests. A private post office's main goal is to make a profit, not provide jobs or services like a public post office.

Don’t forget: Let your local executive know what your MP has to say. We’ve asked locals to call MPs as well, but members of Parliament need to hear from more than one person if they are to understand that there is a real threat to our public postal office. Thanks.

What you do or don’t do now could have a profound effect on your job and the future of public postal service - Please call your MP today.