The rotating strikes by Canada Post workers haven’t hit Airdrie and Calgary yet, but the effect is being felt for many local small businesses.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business fears that the strike will have a big impact on many companies in Airdrie and across Alberta.

(Photo Courtesy: Canada Post)

“This is a business disruption when you don’t have a reliable type of shipping available,” said Amber Ruddy, Director of Alberta Affairs for the CFIB, “I think it’s really going to push small business owners to other options. Is there ways that they can get around this and they might be tempted to stay with those options.”

Ruddy said that the effects could be larger if the strike carries into the upcoming Christmas shopping season.

“We’re heading into the holiday season. We’ve definitely been hearing from business owners that they are concerned that it will impact many people thinking about sending Christmas presents.”

Even after the strike ends, Ruddy fears that small businesses and everyday consumers will be paying more when it comes to Canada Post’s services.

“Stamps are going to be going up in 2019 another 5 cents a stamp. Postal workers union is asking for more money, is that going to mean another hike in prices? Where is this money going to come from? I think those are the questions small business owners are worried about.”

As of today (October 24th) the Canadian Union of Postal Workers have set up picket lines in Halifax, Windsor, Edmonton, Victoria and the Greater Toronto area.

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