Conversion of the downtown post office into an outlet with a single service window is proceeding as planned by Canada Post.
At the same time, customer feedback has been negative and hundreds are signing a petition against the change, says the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.
Renovations to the postal outlet at Kamloops Square were underway on Monday with completion expected by week’s end, in time for the onslaught of Christmas mailing.
Customers are receiving much more than they’re sending nowadays, which is the main reason for the conversion, said a spokeswoman for the Crown corporation.
“It’s adapting to how customers are using us now,” said Anick Losier. “There were one billion (fewer) letters sent in 2011-2012. That’s one-sixth of our business that’s not coming back.”
Traditional use of the postal system for sending letters has given way to parcel shipment through online ordering. The trend has been clear for years but gained considerable footing with the advent of the electronic tablet five years ago, she said.
“We’re trying to maximize our workforce,” Losier said. “When there’s no one in the store, they can do things operationally.”
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers, watching its workers reduced from three down to one at the city’s main post office, has been highly critical of what the corporation has framed as a new service model across the country. Merritt’s post office has also been reduced to one employee.
“I think it’s going to be pandemonium, really,” said Bob Mitchell, president of CUPW Local 758. When he last visited the downtown outlet, there were three workers and customers at each counter. “What’s going to occur when you go to a one-person, one-counter system?”
He said the change brings with it a two-tier system in which some large corporate customers are given preferential treatment to avoid the lineups.
About 650 people have signed a petition opposing the reduced service, he said.
“We’re aiming for 1,000 and will have no problem reaching that as soon as the public sees what is being done.”
Losier noted that the displaced workers do have job security. She also mentioned that the post office conversion may include provision of lockboxes with 24-hour access, but was unable to confirm that by day’s end. Mitchell said he believes that there will be round-the-clock access, only he doesn’t see it as a meaningful trade-off for lost service.
“As far as I can see, there is no trade-off. This is a disaster in the making and I can’t see a single, solitary benefit for the people of Kamloops.”
