Canada Post employees in Petawawa, Ont. on unpaid leave over vaccination status
Approximately one third of the workforce at Canada Post in Petawawa, Ont. is on unpaid administrative leave following the implementation of the federal government's mandatory vaccine policy.
That's left letter carriers like Matthew Collins, who has been working for Canada Post for 20 years, without a pay cheque.
"Out of approximately 16, 17 [employees] in Petawawa, there's five of us right now that are on leave without pay," Collins tells CTV News. "That means the mail is not going out and not being delivered, or shouldn't be delivered."
In a statement to CTV News, Canada Post says their mandatory vaccine policy came into effect Nov. 27, and any employee who is not fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated and not on their way to full vaccination, or not being accommodated based on limited grounds, will be placed on leave without pay.
Further, with nearly one third of the workers at the post office in Petawawa suspended from the jobs, Canada Post says in a statement that mail delivery in the town will be affected:
"We remain committed to serving the people of Petawawa. In the short-term, there may be some temporary delivery delays for some customers due to staffing issues. We have put plans in place to minimize any impacts," the statement said.
Collins is refusing to get his COVID-19 vaccine and does not like the government forcing him to choose between his job and getting the shots. The veteran letter carrier says there was an indication Canada Post was willing to deviate from the federal government's mandate and test unvaccinated workers. But when Collins arrive to work Monday morning, he was refused entry.
"We got word from the union that Canada Post was willing, if you weren't double vaccinated, that they would provided the tests and we could test twice a week," says Collins. "And we were quite proud of Canada Post for letting people choose if they want to be vaccinated or not. They pulled that off the table."
That's left the mail delivery service short of hands at their busiest time of the year, leaving some with incoming parcels wondering if they'll receive them in time.
"I haven't been out in the stores shopping, I've done all of it online," says resident Bonnie Bird, as she left the post office. "I actually just got a notification from Costco saying a package I was expecting was going to be delayed until between the 20th to the 24th."
"Management isn't supposed to be delivering the mail, they are," adds Collins, "but some of the mail is not going out."
The suspended postal worker is now hoping Canada Post and the federal government change their tone, given that other workplaces accommodate unvaccinated employees through testing.
"I'd like Canada Post to call me up tomorrow morning and say come on back in, you need to test, and you're back to work."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.