Postal strike looms in Canada

OTTAWA, May 18 (UPI) -- Canadian postal workers could go on strike as early as Tuesday, their union leaders say.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers said in a statement Wednesday preparations for a walkout were under way since union and Canada Post negotiators were having difficulty reaching agreement on key issues such as wages for new hires and sick plan changes.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported the union can exercise its right to strike and Canada Post has a right to lock out workers at midnight Tuesday. Both sides must give three days notice of their intention to strike or lockout.

Canada's postal employees have been working without a contract since Jan. 31.

The union says pension and social assistance checks will be delivered by volunteers should there be a work stoppage, the CBC said.