Human Resources, Labour and Employment
Child, Youth and Family Services
Finance
Health and Community Services
Justice
May 20, 2011

Public Advisory: Postal Strike Contingency Plan Update

The departments of Human Resources, Labour and Employment; Child, Youth and Family Services; Finance; Health and Community Services; and Justice, are working to solidify contingency plans for government-issued payments in the event of a disruption in postal services.

If a strike or lock-out at Canada Post proceeds, the Provincial Government will have designated pick-up sites throughout the province where individual clients, employers and community-based partners can pick up cheques. For persons with disabilities or clients who live in remote or isolated communities, accommodations will be made.

Further information regarding specific payment distribution sites, including locations and times, will be communicated via radio and print media, and will be contained on the Provincial Government website. Also, toll-free telephone numbers will be put into operation if the strike occurs to address any inquiries.

Payments normally issued via direct deposit will not be affected.

While contingency plans are being put in place, communication with Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers continues regarding an arrangement for the continued delivery of government-issued cheques via mail. If an arrangement is made, a separate notice will be provided to the public at that time.

Provincial Government clients should recognize that some delays may be experienced, but staff and regional offices will work to the best of their ability to lessen the effect a labour disruption may cause.

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Media contacts:

Bradley Power Director of Communications Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment 709-729-0753, 699-5707 bradleypower@gov.nl.ca	Andrea Nolan Director of Communications Department of Child, Youth and Family Services 709-729-5148, 725-1593 AndreaNolan@gov.nl.ca
Vanessa Colman-Sadd Director of Communications Department of Justice 709-729-6985, 682-6593 vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca	Luke Joyce Director of Communications Department of Finance 709-729-6830, 725-4165 lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca
Jennifer Tulk Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 699-6524 JenniferTulk@gov.nl.ca

2011 05 20             4:40 p.m.