Red Boxes Disappearing in Winnipeg and Ottawa

Recently, Canada Post (CPC) told the CUPW Winnipeg Local that about 75 red street letter boxes (SLBs) would be removed from the streets of Winnipeg.

A few weeks later, rumours began to circulate that some 200 SLBs would be removed in Ottawa.  When asked, CPC did not deny it, but said, “SLB rationalization is part of our normal day to day operations to ensure we provide consistency of collection areas across the country.  In doing so there may be some increase/reduction in the number of SLB’s.”

A short time later, notices were spotted on some boxes in Ottawa indicating that they would be eliminated on October 14, 2009.

Part of CPC’s Modern Post?

Canada Post says that such removals are not related to its Postal Transformation (Modern Post) initiative.  They say that elimination of boxes is related to separate, independent (and conveniently simultaneous) local decisions.

CUPW does not believe them.  We think that the SLB removals are part of service reductions tied to Postal Transformation (Modern Post).  By removing the boxes, CPC is cutting time from Mail Service Courier and Motorized Letter Carrier routes.

Penny Wise and Pound Foolish

SLBs are one of the main sites where customers put letters, parcels, and other mail into the system.  CPC’s wide network allows the public to deposit mail at locations near their homes and businesses. 

This is a competitive advantage for the Corporation.

Removing SLBs creates a reduction in service that limits access to the postal system, and inconveniences the public.  To quote an old English expression, it is “…penny wise and pound foolish.”  The less accessible the CPC system, the more customers will look to private competitors.

Encourage the Public to Complain

If you see a sticker saying that a box will be removed, call your local office.  Complain to your Member of Parliament.

Should CPC be plotting the removal of a SLB in your home city or town, make sure that the public is aware.  Encourage them to complain to CPC and their Member of Parliament.

CUPW’s vision of the Modern Post includes expansion of services to the public, not short‑sighted cutbacks.