Postal Service?

For weeks now postal workers in Canada have been on strike and it's been over a week since Canada Post has locked out its workers. The postal workers have been holding rotational strikes which post offices in at least one or two cities (maybe more) would go on strike for 1 or 2 days then go back to work and after than another two cities would do the same. Mail would still be delivered and sorted out but would be delayed if let's say the package you've ordered from the other side of the country is at a station that's on strike. Canada Post locked out its workers a week ago so nothing comes in or out except for welfare cheques which are distributed by volunteer postal workers.

The union representing the postal workers (and pretty much anyone associated with working at a postal office, not including the ones found in greeting card stores and pharmacies I guess) of course want a safe and secure environment for their workers (and what is mentioned here). From Canada Post's angle, they're giving the workers a generous offer that doesn't harm the corporation itself (Canada Post offers this to its workers).

Recently the government is in talks with back-to-work legislation for these guys. At first there was one for striking Air Canada workers in which the union representing the workers reached a tentative agreement before a back-to-work legislation was made for them. Maybe Canada Post should do the same? Who knows for them the legislation could be worse for the workers than what Canada Post is offering in terms of wages. (info on the bill here).

In this day and age is the postal system really outdated? The argument for this is that with e-mail and text messaging on cell phones it is as bills can be sent to one's e-mail inbox and most of the mail that ends up in the mailbox is junk mail. Having things done electronically saves paper and it's faster (also no wasting money on postage stamps). I say it's not totally outdated. Not everyone in the world has access to a cell phone or a computer. I guess I can add digital camera and scanner to this too. Regular mail is necessary for those who don't have access to modern technology. I personally am one of those people who like opening the mailbox to see what comes in.

Anyways, hopefully an agreement can be reached soon.

edit June 25, 2011: the bill passed through the house of commons and is on its way to the senate.
edit June 27, 2011: and the strike is officially over and the workers have been legislated back to work