New data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) reveals that two-thirds of Canadian small businesses have been negatively affected by the Canada Post strike. As a result, CFIB is calling on the federal government to quickly pass back to work legislation to get mail and parcel delivery back on track as the critical holiday period draws near. Canada Post Corporation reported yesterday that it has exhausted its negotiation efforts and customers should expect prolonged delivery delays for the foreseeable future.

“The rotating strikes have gone on long enough,” said Dan Kelly, CFIB president. “A full two-thirds of Canadian small firms have been negatively affected by the strike, and those firms have incurred nearly $3,000 in added costs due to lost orders, late payments and the need to shift to more expensive alternatives.”

CFIB conducted a special survey of its members in most provinces starting on November 18, and preliminary data found:

· 87 per cent of small firms viewed Canada Post’s delivery services as important to their business;

· 67 per cent said their cash flow has been affected by delayed cheques and invoices in the mail;

· 41 per cent are waiting on the delivery of products or supplies for their business;

· 35 per cent said their shipments to their customers have been delayed; and,

· 71 per cent of small firms supported back to work legislation.

“Postal unions should be particularly concerned with the finding that 65 per cent of small firms intend to use Canada Post less in the future as a result of ongoing work disruptions. Instead, this strike action is creating even more uncertainty, driving loyal small business customers away, with many likely never to return,” noted Monique Moreau, Vice-President, National Affairs.

“Small firms call on Canada Post unions to move ahead with a deal to ensure the Corporation can once again become a reliable provider of delivery services at a reasonable cost,” Kelly said. “If not, CFIB calls on government to pass back to work legislation by week’s end.”

CFIB