PICTOU - The biting cold on Thursday didn't deter employees of the post office here from taking to the street to vent their frustration.
In fact it only underlined their determination to be heard.
The employees, members of the Pictou local of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, were holding an information picket encouraging residents to contact Canada Post to ask for the return of the second computer terminal for the post office. They took turns over their lunch break to pass out information flyers to the public.
Canada Post removed the outlet's second computer terminal in late August or early September but over this, the busiest time of year for the post office, the reduction in counter capability has led to long lineups and unhappy customers.
Why pick one of the coldest days so far to protest?
"I've been working the counter all week and it's been stressful," Doris Snell, Pictou local vice-president, said on the sidewalk outside of the post office.
"The bottom line is we've been getting complaints from customers and it's just not working. We've had enough."
Snell said the Canada Post hotline for customers hasn't been of much use.
"We've had customers ask that we give out the toll-free number….We've had numerous people call and they get no answers at all."
The bottom line is they decided to take their plea to the public.
"Just help us get our computer back. We want to have good customer service. We feel it's not good customer service now," said Snell.
Pictou resident Hugh Miller agreed with Snell that the new setup isn't in the customers' best interests.
"I'm unhappy that Canada Post has done this. It's detrimental for the service. It's a direction they've been heading and we want it to stop."
Town councillor Bob Naylor was on hand to show the town's support for the post office employees and customers.
"We had council write a letter (of support) to Canada Post and the MP….We've got no response."
Posting frustration
Posting frustration
- Published on December 18th, 2009
- Published on Febuary 20th, 2010
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Ray Burns
Employees at Pictou post office hold information picket
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Comments
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- Trentonian
- - February 22nd, 2010 at 13:32:06
All of this over a computer...are you kidding. I figure there are several avenues to get a personal computer if you just look / ask. Rather than standing in the cold picketing , why not approach a local business who has excess computers and have them donate.
Alternatively, a cost of a computer is under $500...how can this be difficult to raise funds for?
I question the people who work their and their critical thinking skills. Think outside the box...to receive a box. -
- Ann
- - February 22nd, 2010 at 13:32:05
The post office in New Glasgow is the same way......absolutely no need of it at the busiest season of the year.....
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- Lee
- - February 22nd, 2010 at 13:31:55
Trentonian, I don't think you should be attacking anyone's thinking skills. Do you go out and buy equipment to replace that which your company removes? They don't want a personal computer, read the story and try to comprehend what you're reading - they are trying to please their customers.
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- Trentonian
- - February 22nd, 2010 at 13:31:53
Lee - my comprehension is that the Public Service Post Office is up in arms over a computer, which indirectly helps with Customer Service.
This is simply an issue management resolution. I'm not upset about the awareness-raising of the computer, but in a recession-driven time...people need to start breaking down these inconceptual walls.
Relative to my business (working in a similar public service role), yes...I have personally went to the private sector for help...instead of just relying on free money. Maybe if the budget were managed / outlined originally, this would not be an issue.
Maybe comprehend my post before you respond. -
- NotGonnaWork
- - February 22nd, 2010 at 13:31:53
To Trentonian:
Are you saying that if they go to Staples and buy a new computer that it's magically going to come loaded with the proprietary Canada Post software, be allowed to connect to the Canada Post network and be supported by the Canada Post helpdesk? If it's that easy maybe I'll see if I can get one so I don't have to go to the post office anymore!
The point is that it's not just a computer that they use for web surfing - it would have to interface with the Canada Post network. -
- do
- - February 22nd, 2010 at 13:31:47
i think canada post is having a hard year and they are cutting back. people depend alot on there computer now.people dont write letters as often. pay checks goes right into the banks.christmas cards are free when you send them by your key boardand i just love that.no need to put a fifty cent stamp on them.i think in a while we may not get our mail /junk mail every daytimes are changing .people working at the post office can maby move a little faster.i know send my parcels on the acadian lines bus it is alot cheaper.then the post office .i dont need canada post.all my bills coumes right out of my bank account.i go to my mail box once a mounth. only for junk i would not go at all.
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- me
- - February 22nd, 2010 at 13:31:42
Slow news day eh?
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- another unhappy customer
- - February 22nd, 2010 at 13:31:35
No word of lie,I stood in line first for about 15 min when i decided i will get my other errands done, came back about an hour and half later and i stood in line for exactly 45 minutes. til i finally got to the clerk.. it's ridiculos and people should complain. Yes i understand it is Christmas and a certain amount of line -up can be tolerated at this time but to stand for 45 min. is not acceptable.
