Canada Post says it will have to get smaller to survive.

The Crown corporation has been cleared by Ottawa to close rural post offices, end home delivery for millions, and resume construction of community mailboxes.

Postal spokesman Jon Hamilton says they will have to reduce the workforce in order to survive, but that does not necessarily mean layoffs.

Canada post says the demands by CUPW would add more than $700-million a year in new operating costs in wage demands and benefits, increase the number of days off for personal needs to 17 a year from 13 and add full-time employees by having contractual workers be forced to join the union.

In addition, letter carriers who finish their route early would continue to be paid for eight hours without being required to perform other duties.

Government Says Services Available

In light of the postal strike, anybody who received benefits via cheque from the provincial government can contact the applicable department or agency to find out how to continue receiving the benefits without disruption.

For people on income support, the number to call is 1-877-729-7888 for assistance; any enquiries about employment services can be done through 1-800-563-6600.

At Motor Registration, in-person counter service remains available, and many services are also available on the MyGovNL website.

While the strike is on, receipts for driver’s licence and registration renewals, which can be presented in lieu of official documents while waiting for them to arrive by mail, are now valid for 60 days instead of 30 days.

People can contact MVR at 1-877-636-6867.

Government expects minimal disruption to the Student Aid Program, but students with questions can contact 709-729-5849 or toll free 1-888-657-0800.