Richmond Restaurant Loses $25,000 Amid Canada Post Strike Chaos

UPDATE: A Richmond restaurant faces a staggering loss of $25,000 due to the ongoing Canada Post strike, which has left its promotional efforts in ruins. Shane Dagan, owner of the Steveston Seafood House, expressed his frustration as he reveals the devastating impact this disruption has had on his business.

The turmoil began on September 11, 2023, when Dagan invested $15,000 in printed flyers and $10,000 in prepaid postage, only for Canada Post to initiate job action the very next day, September 12. “We were anticipating thousands of people to come for this campaign, and it just didn’t materialize,” Dagan told Global News.

With the promotional materials already in Canada Post’s hands, Dagan attempted to retrieve them when flyer deliveries were suspended. His request was denied. Now, nearly seven weeks later, some flyers are finally being delivered, but the promotion ends in late November, leaving Dagan and his staff in a dire situation.

“It’s been devastating for the staff,” Dagan stated. “We hired eight new front staff and ramped up our kitchen specifically for this promotion.” He emphasized that the financial strain has been overwhelming, as the restaurant was prepared for a surge in customers that never arrived.

In a broader context, Dagan’s struggles are compounded by other strikes affecting the region. He noted an 80-person group cancellation in September due to the Air Canada strike, costing him an entire Saturday night’s revenue. Additionally, ongoing disruptions from the BC General Employees Union (BCGEU) strike have hindered liquor supply, with his wine list being primarily B.C. products.

Despite the turmoil, Canada Post released a statement indicating that while postal services have resumed, uncertainty remains. “Shutting down and restarting parts of our integrated national network with rotating strikes has always challenged our ability to provide reliable service to customers,” they stated.

Dagan’s calls for a refund have been met with resistance, as Canada Post cites their customer guide, which mentions delays due to labor disruptions. “We just want the people in charge to be doing their job,” Dagan lamented, reflecting the frustrations of many small business owners who feel unsupported during challenging times.

As the situation develops, Dagan and his team continue to push for a resolution, hoping to recoup their losses and stabilize their operations. The community is urged to support local businesses facing similar challenges as the ripple effects of labor strikes continue to unfold.

Next Steps: Local patrons and business supporters are encouraged to rally behind affected establishments as the holiday season approaches. As deliveries resume, the urgency remains for Canada Post to restore faith and reliability in its services.