Canada Post issued a video today featuring president and CEO Deepak Chopra explaining Canada Post’s decision to shut down operations after 12 days of rotating strikes by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.



Meanwhile, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers yesterday denounced the government's move to introduce back to work legislation, expected next week. Denis Lemelin, CUPW president, said, "We never got a chance in this round of bargaining. Canada Post spent months just saying 'no' and misleading the public about our proposals. Now, as we call for a meeting with Canada Post's President, the Harper government is going to rescue him from any responsibility to negotiate realistically with the workers."

CUPW has also released its videos on its web site here.

The National Association of Major Mail Users is continuing to call on the mailing industry to speak up and let Labour Minister Lisa Raitt know about the damage caused by the postal disruptions. "Layoffs and business losses are climbing, and the bills keep piling on to an industry at a virtual standstill. Even the losses incurred by Canada Post to this date will somehow be exacted in the rates charged to users," NAMMU warned.

Yesterday, Magazines Canada sent a letter to Deepak Chopra and Denis Lemelin, encouraging both groups to think about their customers and resolve the current strike and lockout.

Publishers calling the Masthead office complained their cash-flow has dried up while payroll and other bills must still be paid.