Postal workers in Burnaby took over a post office near Metrotown on Thursday to give the public a sneak peek of their vision for a 21st century post office – a vision that addresses climate change and inequality.
The action showcased the post office of the future, featuring new services like postal banking, green energy and electric vehicle charging stations.
“On the bargaining table and in our communities, postal workers are demanding climate leadership and better public services that improve the lives of everyone in this country,” said Tim Armstrong, National Director for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), Pacific Region. “We’re showing the people what’s possible if we use our postal service for the common good.”
CUPW is a member of the Delivering Community Power coalition, which is campaigning to use Canada’s vast network of post offices to build a greener and fairer society.
Among the ideas proposed by the Delivering Community Power campaign:
- Electric vehicle charging stations at post offices;
- Converting the postal fleet to made-in-Canada electric vehicles;
- Assistance to vulnerable people via check-ins on seniors and those with limited mobility;
- Public financial services as a means of financial inclusion and green investment; and
- Delivery of groceries and medicines.
Many of these ideas were presented by CUPW during their negotiations with Canada Post and will be presented during arbitration hearings.
“We need alternatives like postal banking because predatory lenders charge close to 500 percent in interest for short term loans,” said Karen De Francesco, Regional Education and Organization Officer, Pacific region. “The community needs a financial institution that has their interests at heart."
