The provincial government is mailing income assistance cheques one week early this month in anticipation of a work disruption at Canada Post.
The cheques should have hit mailboxes by as early as Wednesday, social development minister Harry Bloy said in a statement, rather than May 25 as originally scheduled.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) said Wednesday volunteers from the union will deliver federal Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and Child Benefits cheques, as well as provincial social assistance cheques in Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the North West Territories.
However, B.C. was among the jurisdictions that have opted out of the plan, CUPW said.
The union will be able to exercise its right to strike and Canada Post its right to lock out at midnight on May 24. Both parties must provide 72 hours notice of their intention prior to a strike or lockout.
