Employees who are part of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers walked out at 12:01 a.m. Toronto time on Friday, according to a union statement. The work stoppage at Canada Post Corp. will disrupt mail services across the country.

The union says approximately 55,000 workers are striking, claiming little progress has been made in the bargaining process. It issued a 72-hour strike notice earlier in the week, saying it’s been asking for fair wages, safer working conditions and other improvements over nearly a year of bargaining.

The union and the company have agreed that benefit cheques will still be mailed out during the strike, including for the Canada Child Benefit, Old Age Security and the Canada Pension Plan.

HOW DOES IT EFFECT FISHER RIVER

Fisher River Canada Post office will be closed during the duration of the Strike. However parcels sent via FedEx, UPS or Purolator may still be delivered to the Post Office or at Fisher Repair for community members to pick up. The following companies usually call the customer when the parcel is dropped off at either location. Canada Child Benefit, Old Age Security and the Canada Pension Plan will be still mailed out for pick up at Post Office.