As Canada Post workers persist on the picket line, their growing concerns over the physical and mental toll of their jobs have taken center stage. Amplified by the worsening impacts of climate change, workers are demanding action to address health and safety issues that threaten their well-being.
Delivering mail has become increasingly hazardous due to extreme weather conditions such as heatwaves, ice storms, and wildfires. Brahm Enslin, local president of CUPW Saskatoon Local 824, noted that these challenges have led to serious injuries, including hip fractures during icy conditions. Having served Canada Post for 16 years, Enslin highlights how these evolving hazards, combined with smoke from wildfires and storms, have placed unbearable strain on postal workers.
The strike, ongoing since November 15, stems from unresolved negotiations between the union and Canada Post. Workers are advocating for better safety measures, such as lighter weight limits for deliveries and equipping vehicles with snow tires. They also propose protocols for working in extreme weather to safeguard their health and ensure that climate-related challenges are addressed in their new contract.
For many workers, these demands are born out of personal experiences. Letter carriers like Philip Schatz, who has faced multiple injuries during his eight years with Canada Post in Penticton, B.C., recount hazardous conditions that have left lasting physical damage. From icy driveways to sweltering heat, the job exposes workers to constant dangers. Schatz, who suffers from asthma, also describes how smoke from wildfires worsens conditions, further exacerbating health risks for those on the job.
Beyond physical challenges, the mental health strain is also significant. Workers face burnout, stress, and anxiety from long hours, extreme conditions, and increased workloads following Canada Post’s 2017 implementation of a separate sort-from-delivery system. This change forces letter carriers to spend more time outdoors, walking long routes while carrying heavy loads, which leads to repetitive stress injuries and reduced job satisfaction.
Despite these hardships, workers express a deep commitment to their roles and communities. Many view the strike as not just a fight for their safety but a broader push for workers’ rights across industries. Their resolve underscores the importance of fair and safe working conditions in the face of mounting challenges driven by a changing climate.
