Canada Post lays off striking workers

The union representing Canada Post workers says the Crown corporation has laid off striking employees as the walkout of more than 55,000 workers approaches the two-week mark.

In a notice to members released Monday, the Postal Workers Union called the layoffs an “intimidation tactic” and said it was looking into the situation.

Canada Post spokesperson Lisa Liu confirmed the layoffs, saying they were temporary.

She said the organization informed employees that collective agreements were no longer in effect and their terms of employment had now changed, in accordance with the Canada Labor Code – referring to the section of the code that covers notices lockout.

Earlier in November, Canada Post issued a lockout notice, but said it did not intend to lock out employees, instead saying the notice would allow the company to make changes to its activities in order to respond to the effects of a strike.

Labor and employment lawyer Deborah Hudson says the Canada Post layoffs are an unprecedented move and will likely be met with legal opposition from the union.