The president of Moose Jaw's postal workers union is alleging that federal government officials and Canada Post executives are working together to privatize postal services and shift business to the corporation's for-profit subsidiary.

Darla Jattansingh, president of CUPW Local 781, said Friday that from workers' perspective, the priority of Canada Post CEO Doug Ettinger is "moving all of the work from Canada Post to Purolator, which is a for-profit company, which Canada Post owns 96% of."

Speaking from the picket line as postal workers launched a nationwide strike, Jattansingh alleged the changes announced Thursday by Procurement Minister Joël Lightbound represent a coordinated effort to dismantle the public postal service.

"There's no doubt every card that's being played is very clearly ... the federal government and Canada Post colluding," she said.

"It's no longer about a company that needs to be sustainable and not-for-profit and that belongs to the public."

Instead, Jattansingh claimed, "It's simply going to be about more money lining the pockets of the wealthy."

The union leader said workers believe "what we are seeing happening, as the workers, is that the priority of Canada Post's executives is to gut it, to destroy it and to essentially privatize and not provide a public service."

Lightbound's announcement Thursday included ending door-to-door delivery for nearly four million households, reducing mail delivery frequency, and allowing closure of rural post offices — changes the minister said were necessary because Canada Post loses $10 million daily and requires regular federal bailouts.

Canada Post welcomed the changes, with CEO Doug Ettinger saying they "will allow it to chart a strong path forward that is in line with the changing needs of Canadians."

The timing of the announcement particularly frustrated union negotiators. Jattansingh said Canada Post had committed to providing the union with a contract offer Friday, but withdrew that commitment after Lightbound's announcement.

"Canada Post informed the federal mediators that they would not be providing the postal workers with a global offer," she said, explaining why CUPW launched the nationwide strike affecting 55,000 workers.

The union has been in contract negotiations for nearly two years, including a five-week strike in November 2024 that was ended by federal back-to-work legislation.

Jattansingh emphasized that "the post office belongs to the citizens of Canada. It doesn't belong to Minister Lightbound. It doesn't belong to Minister Hajdu. It doesn't belong to Canada Post either."

Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu responded to the strike by saying federal mediators remain available and encouraging both parties to "continue working toward a fair resolution."

Canada Post spokeswoman Lisa Liu said the corporation was "disappointed that the union chose to escalate their strike activity, which will further deteriorate Canada Post's financial situation."

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