Canada Post drops lockout threat 聽
On July 10, Canada Post agreed to extend contract negotiations for 30-days in an attempt to reach a settlement with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW).
As a result, employees were not locked out on Monday, July 11, as initially feared and mail delivery will continue as usual.
If the parties are unable to agree to a new collective agreement within that period, Canada Past said both parties must agree to binding arbitration.
In a press release, published on July 10, the union said it is opposed to binding arbitration. The message on the website went on to say that the only way to achieve fair collective agreements is through negotiations that are not restricted in any way. The union said it can鈥檛 freely negotiate with legislation or through arbitration.
鈥淲e remain committed to negotiating fair collective agreements, as we have since the beginning of this process. We鈥檙e encouraged that Canada Post now shares that perspective,鈥� read a July 11 statement on the union鈥檚 website.
The short-term extension was proposed by the union on Friday, July 8, after Canada Post issued a 72-notice that would have essentially locked out its employees on Monday if a deal wasn鈥檛 reached.
The union wants to see a pay increase for its rural, mostly female carriers, who earn 28 per cent less than their urban, mostly male, counterparts to address what CUPW sees as a pay equity issue.
It also wants Canada Post to protect workers鈥� pension plans.
RCMP charge four men with firearm offences
Jasper RCMP officers along with Parks Canada law enforcement wardens charged four men with firearm offences at the Snaring Overflow Campground, July 1.
Officers attended the campground after receiving complaints the men were allegedly carrying rifles and a handgun. After locating the suspects, officers conducted a high-risk approach and were able to safely apprehend them.
A search of the campsite revealed two pellet rifles and one pellet handgun. The firearms were all replicas of real firearms and did not have any orange or red safety muzzles on them.
As a result, four men from Edmonton were charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Canada National Parks Act.
Justin Luong, 21, Jonathan Luong, 25, Edward Dang, 22, and Aubrey Planidin, 22, were all charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of a loaded firearm, possession of alcoholic beverages during prohibition contrary to the Canada National Parks Act and failure to maintain an orderly campsite.
Council installs four-way stop
Attention drivers: On July 8 the intersection of Geikie Street and Miette Avenue became a four-way stop. Council approved the decision for the stop signs back in May.
The new traffic calming measures were put in place to slow drivers down and make the intersection safer for pedestrians.
In addition to the new stop signs, there is also new crosswalk paint and signs installed warning drivers about the changes.
