KAWARTHA LAKES-The City of Kawartha Lakes is advising social services clients of a change in the distribution of benefit cheques in the event of a labour dispute at Canada Post.
Members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers voted overwhelmingly in favour of job action on Sunday. CUPW said that 93.8 per cent of urban letter and parcel carriers and 95.9 per cent of rural and suburban members said they were willing to walk off the job.
The two sides have been negotiating separate contracts for urban and rural employees since late last year. If no agreements are reached by Sept. 26, there could be a strike or lockout.
As of September 18, all benefit cheques issued by the City of Kawartha Lakes Social Services, including for residents of the County of Haliburton, are being issued in person only. This includes all direct client payments as well as trustee, third party and vendor cheques. Payments issued by Direct Bank Deposit (DBD) are still being processed normally.
The first of the month cheques, for the month of October, will be available for pick up as follows:
| Municipality | Location | Address | Date | Pick-up Times |
| City of Kawartha Lakes | Lindsay Office | 322 Kent St. W., Room 104, follow the signs | September 28, 2018 | 9:00am – 4:00pm |
| City of Kawartha Lakes | Lindsay Office | 322 Kent St. W., Room 104, follow the signs | October 1, 2018 | 9:00am – 4:00pm |
| County of Haliburton | Haliburton Office | 49 Maple Ave, Unit 8, Haliburton | September 28, 2018 | 9:00pm – 4:00pm |
| County of Haliburton | Haliburton Office | 49 Maple Ave, Unit 8, Haliburton | October 1, 2018 | 9:00am – 4:00pm |
Cheques will be available at the Lindsay and Haliburton locations. Clients should contact their local office for updates or any questions regarding cheque pick up times.
Officials are urging clients to register for Direct Bank Deposit of their assistance. All payments can be made by DBD to avoid travel to pick up cheques or mailing delays. You can contact your case worker for more information.
For further information contact the Lindsay Social Services office at 705-324-9870 or the Haliburton Social Services office at 705-457-4571.
