A Lower Mainland hospital is the latest to speak up on how the Canada Post workers strike is taking its toll.
The Burnaby Hospital Foundation says the strike threatens to cost it up to $800,000 in donations and matching gifts — which are urgently needed to buy new medical equipment.
“The strike has delayed 58,000 holiday mail packages,” it claimed in a statement Wednesday.
The foundation says right as the strike hit, they were about to send out holiday donation packages to potential and current contributors.
It says the holiday campaign generates approximately $400,000 — more than half of its annual mail-in revenue — with an additional $400,000 coming from matching funds.
“These are funds that will ensure our doctors and nurses have the equipment and technology they need to provide the best care. It’s an investment in the future of healthcare in Burnaby, and we can’t afford to miss it,” said Kristy James, President and CEO for Burnaby Hospital Foundation.
With no mail-in service, the foundation says donations can still be received online, by phone, or even in person at the foundation office.
Canada Post and the union representing postal workers are in a war of words as a countrywide strike is on its 27th day.
On Wednesday, Canada Post said the union’s new demands are unaffordable and unsustainable, claiming they would cost more than $3 billion over four years at a time when the postal service is struggling financially.
The statement came after Canada Post said Monday that the union’s latest proposals widen the gap between the two parties and that in some cases, the union has increased its demands.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers pushed back on Canada Post’s criticism in a bulletin to members Tuesday evening, giving a list of proposals it said are meant to bring the two parties closer together.
The union said its latest proposals included wage increases lower than previously demanded, as well as a cost-of-living allowance and better job security.
The strike by more than 55,000 workers is approaching the four-week mark with no end in sight.
—With files from Charles Brockman