Update: Postal workers begin rotating strikes in four Canadian provinces

The union representing 50,000 Canada Post employees has begun rotating strikes in four cities across the country.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers says the 24-hour strikes began Monday at 12:01 a.m. local time in Victoria, Edmonton and Windsor, Ont., and at 1:01 a.m. in Halifax.

Canada Post spokesman Jon Hamilton said on Sunday that in the event of rotating strikes normal mail delivery would be maintained in all other locations across the country.

The job action began after negotiators failed to reach a new contract agreement before the union's strike deadline today.

Hamilton said Canada Post was committed to reaching a deal, and had an offer on the table that included wage hikes, job security, improved benefits and no concessions.

But CUPW President Mike Palecek said the key issues of job security, an end to forced overtime, better health and safety measures and gender equality remained unresolved.

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Earlier story

The union representing 50,000 Canada Post employees says it will begin rotating strikes if a deal isn't reached by the deadline early Monday morning.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers says strikes will begin at 12:01 a.m. Monday in Victoria, Edmonton, Windsor and at 1:01 a.m. in Halifax and will last for 24 hours.

CUPW President Mike Palecek says Canada Post has refused to talk about issues that matter to the union, which include job security, an end to forced overtime, better health and safety measures and gender equality.

The union says mail will still be delivered in those cities, but will be delayed.

Canada Post says it has an offer on the table that includes wage increases, job secuirty, improved benefits and no concessions.

Spokesman Jon Hamilton says mail will be delivered in all other locations across the country in the event of a strike.

He says they remain committed to negotiating a deal.

Meanwhile, in Newfoundland and Labrador the government has issued an advisory about how benefit cheques will be delivered in the event of a possible postal strike.

Payments normally issued via direct deposit will not be affected, the release stated. But if you receive benefit payments via cheque from the Provincial Government, residents are directed to contact the applicable government department or agency to find out how you can continue to receive these payments without disruption.

Contact information for all departments and agencies can be found via the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador website.

Individuals in receipt of Income Support payments via cheque can call:

· Avalon - 1-877-729-7888

· Central - 1-888-632-4555

· Western - 1-866-417-4753

· Labrador - 1-866-449-3144

In addition, information regarding cheque delivery for Income Support payments can be found at www.aesl.gov.nl.ca/cp_cheque_pickup.html.

Individuals who receive Employment and Training Programs payments via cheque can call 1-800-563-6600.

The statement warns some delays may be experienced, but staff and regional offices will work to lessen the effect a possible service disruption may cause.

— The Canadian Press and The Telegram