(File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / payphoto)(File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / payphoto)
Windsor

Canada Post is on strike. Now what?

As picket lines get set up outside of post offices across the country, some public services are urging customers to get set up online.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers warned Canadians of delays in delivering parcels and letters, including some of your monthly bills.

Veterans Affairs Canada sent out cheques early to avoid the disruption and says cheques could be received as early as November 14.

"The delivery date of payments or other communication by mail could be delayed if the work stoppage is still in place at that time," said a release. "If recipients have direct deposit in place, they will continue to receive payments as usual."

Veterans can switch to direct deposit but must sign up before December 10 to get those cheques on time. That can be done online through My VAC Account or by calling 1-866-522-2122.

E.L.K. Energy reminded customers they can access their bills and other important account details by logging in online.

Those who haven't set up an online account are urged to do so because payments still must be made on time, even if mail carriers are on strike. You can set up your account online here.

For pre-authorized payment, visit here.

Customers are asked not to send their payments through the mail during the postal strike. E.L.K.'s customer service team is available at customer.service@elkenergy.com or by calling 1-519-776-5291 or 1-877-355-7798, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Essex Powerlines can be reached by emailing customerservice@essexpowerlines.ca or calling 519-737-6640.

Hydro One customers can sign up for paperless billing here.

Vendors who receive payment through the mail will need to pick those up at 350 City Hall Square West at the first-floor counter finance window. The building is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

The city just asks vendors to call 311 before coming to ensure their cheque has been printed. They'll need to take with them an official letter authorizing the individual to pick it up.

Cheques that are not picked up by vendors will be mailed once the strike is over.

Those making payments to the city for things like property taxes can do so at an approved bank, credit union or trust company, by telephone or online, or with your mortgage payment at their financial institution. They can also deliver the payment in person to the drop-off box on the first flor of 350 City Hall Square West.

Those who receive benefits from social assistance from the province can go here for more information on the status of their cheques. It also warns clients who receive cheques through the mail their payment may be delayed. Those who have direct deposit will not be impacted.

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On strike at Canada Post

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers ordered its members to set up a picket line just after midnight.