THE Canada Post strike has cost Manitoba small- and medium-sized businesses $34.3 million so far, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business calculated.
It amounts to roughly $3.43 million each business day, the CFIB noted. The organization is calling for an intervention from Ottawa.
“For the sake of the economy, that may be necessary,” said Brianna Solberg, the CFIB’s provincial director for Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the North.
Nearly three-quarters of Manitoba small businesses — 73 per cent — want government to introduce back-to-work legislation, the CFIB reported. It recently surveyed its members.
Seventy-seven per cent of small- and medium-sized companies in the province have been impacted by the strike. Being unable to ship orders, receive inventory and mail flyers during the holiday season has created a significant burden, Solberg noted.
One-third of Manitoba small businesses said the strike has had a cost impact around $2,500. Lost orders, more expensive delivery alternatives and late payments are among the contributing factors.
The owner of Northlore, an Exchange District body care company, previously told the Free Press they’d switched from Canada Post to UPS, but shipping is far more expensive for their customers. Opale Boutique, a clothing store, said sales through online platform Poshmark have plummeted since the strike.
Retail is likely facing the most significant strain, but every sector seems to be hit, Solberg said.
Across Canada, the strike has cost small- and medium-sized businesses at least $765 million, the CFIB found. Canada Post workers began striking Nov. 15.
— staff
