CUPW Says Invest - Don't Mess With Success at the Post Office

For Immediate Release

OTTAWA - The Canadian Union of Postal Workers said Canada Post's success is measured by its ability to serve the public interest, not maximize profits. But the post office is managing to do both.

The standard postage rate is the lowest of the G7 countries. Service has consistently improved and ranks with the best in the world thanks to the hard work of 54,000 postal workers. Canada Post has earned a reputation as one of the most efficient postal services in the world.

"With such a strong showing, it's surprising that Treasury Board president Reg Alcock indicated to media he's prepared to consider privatizing Crown corporations like Canada Post," said CUPW National President Deborah Bourque

"Privatization of the post office would be a huge blow to the continued success of Canada's mail service," said Bourque. "Frankly, there is no good reason to mess with quality postal service at affordable rates."

Lettermail can travel the whole of 6,019 kilometres from Truro, Nova Scotia to Nanaimo, British Columbia in four days, for only 49 cents.

"What else can you get these days for 49 cents?" said Bourque.

A quick survey of any good or service under a dollar pales in comparison:

· Chocolate bar = 89 cents
· Tim Horton's coffee (medium) = 98 cents
· 1 litre of gasoline = 68 to 80 cents
· A ten minute phone call* from Truro to Nanaimo = 70 cents
*Using Bell Canada's 7cents/minute rate.

Bourque called on the government and post office to soundly reject the sale of our public post office. The post office's solid infrastructure leaves room for much growth in government and financial services. She said that the public would be better served by having profits invested these services as well as rural service, door-to-door delivery, and the workforce.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers represents 54,000 members in rural and urban communities including full-time, part-time, and temporary workers.

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