DNSSAB has a plan for OW clients in case of a postal strike

Today in Ottawa Denis Lemelin, National President of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers gave notice that workers will strike at 11:59 p.m. Thursday if an agreement is not reached.

Labour law notes that the union must give 72 hours’ notice before they can walkout.

The labour dispute would impact everyone including families who rely on Ontario Works. For clients who receive their Ontario Works a payment by mail the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board has set up a pick-up schedule to help ensure minimal disruption for their clients.

The full details are in the news release below.

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North Bay, ON - - The District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board has taken steps to ensure individuals and families who rely on Ontario Works for income and employment support continue receiving the best possible service in the event of any labour disruption with Canada Post.

The District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board has a plan in place so that individuals and families will receive their payments and benefits on time. Ontario Works payments for the month of June have been processed for all District of Nipissing recipients.

For recipients who receive their Ontario Works payments through direct deposit, payments will continue to be deposited into their bank accounts as usual; however, no statements will be mailed.

District of Nipissing Ontario Works participants should receive their cheques in their usual manner EXCEPT FOR NORTH BAY and TEMAGAMI residents.

A pick-up schedule for Ontario Works participants residing in North Bay has been arranged at a central location for June cheques.

City Hall, 200 McIntyre Street East, North Bay, Main Floor Reception

From May 30 to June 3, 2011 in the following manner:

Last Name between A - E from 8:45 - 10 a.m.

Last Name between F - K from 10 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Last Name between L - P from 12 - 1:30 p.m.

Last Name between Q - T 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Last Name between U - Z 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.



For Ontario Works recipients residing in the Temagami area, benefit cheques for the month of June will be available for pick up on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at the Employment Resource Centre from 10 a.m. to 12 noon only.

Drug cards valid for the month of June will be valid until the end of the strike should a strike extend past June 30, 2011. New cards will be issued after the strike.

During a postal strike, Ontario Works recipients are still required to report income and changes to their circumstances. They can pick up and drop off the necessary reporting forms at their local Ontario Works Office.


If Canada Post does experience a labour disruption and it continues past June 30, 2011, District of Nipissing Ontario Works recipients will need to contact their local Ontario Works office to find out where they will need to go to pick-up their next cheque.

District of Nipissing Ontario Works recipients should contact their local office if they have any questions. A copy of this schedule and notice is available, in both official languages, on the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board web site, www.dnssab.on.ca.