Canada Post employees picket outside a distribution centre in Montreal, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press Canada Post workers will continue striking for the foreseeable future as negotiations between the postal service and the union representing these workers broke down on Wednesday. Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon announced that a special federal mediator appointed by him had temporarily suspended mediation because both sides remained “too far apart on critical issues.” The minister summoned both Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers to his office, saying that they were both responsible for the “consequences of this conflict and for its resolution.” “The parties have had access to the best mediation services it is possible to have. They need a bit of time to rethink their positions and to come back to the table with a renewed determination to get a deal,” he told reporters in Ottawa on Wednesday. Canada Post strike shines light on service’s struggle to survive amid fierce competition and financial losses More than 55,000 Canada Post workers have been on strike since Nov. 15, at odds with their employer over a slew of issues related to wages, benefits and how to conduct weekend parcel delivery. The strike is taking place during a critical holiday shopping season for retailers. A sticking point for both parties is the structure of Canada Post’s workforce , which includes a growing number of temporary and part-time staff. “If this were only about money it would be easier,” said Stephanie Ross, an associate professor of labour studies at McMaster University. “Because it’s about fundamental structure of work and Canada Post seems unwilling to think beyond a two-tier workforce, we are at an impasse.” Canada Post and CUPW are trying to reach an agreement over how to deliver parcels on the weekend. Parcel delivery is a growing part of Canada Post’s business and the corporation is intent on reducing its labour costs for packages in order to compete with low-cost third-party couriers, such as Intelcom, GoShare and delivery.com. These companies grew substantially during the pandemic and use independent contractors or gig workers to perform delivery every day of the week. Opinion: With Canada Post workers striking, it’s time to revive the privatization debate Canada Post says that more than 95 per cent of their parcel delivery team is made up of full-time employees with benefits and a pension plan. The corporation has proposed adding more part-time employees to conduct parcel delivery and to allow Canada Post to deliver parcels in a more cost-effective manner on weekends. Currently, weekend parcel delivery only takes place on a few weekends in a year. These part-time employees would have some benefits and a defined contribution pension plan (as opposed to a defined benefit plan like full-time employees have). But CUPW is deeply opposed to Canada Post’s proposal on expanding the size of the postal service’s part-time workforce. The union wants its existing, full-time employees to work on weekends to deliver parcels; they would have to be paid more than their hourly wage, as per the collective agreement, and Canada Post is not willing to do that. According to CUPW, Canada Post’s proposal on weekend delivery would see it hire part-time employees on Saturdays, but only have eight hours of scheduled work per week. “Who can live off that?” said the union in a statement on Tuesday. Explainer: How will the Canada Post strike affect me and my business? Your key questions, answered Mr. MacKinnon’s call for both parties to meet with him signals a strong expectation for a swift resolution, said Larry Savage, chair of the department of labour studies at Brock University. “It leaves the door open for government intervention if CUPW and Canada Post can’t reach an agreement,” he said. On multiple occasions this year, the federal government has employed section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, referring labour disputes to the Canadian Industrial Relations Board for binding arbitration. In August, striking rail workers were ordered back to work by the CIRB , and more recently, the government intervened through the CIRB to end two port strikes. “The Liberals’ recent interventionist role in ending labour disputes is unusual even by Canadian standards, and the Minister has been heavily criticized by the labour movement and their allies for siding with employers to quash the right to strike in airlines, railways and ports,” said David Doorey, Professor of Labour Law at York University. “The Minister no doubt wants to avoid intervening again, but he’s under pressure to get the mail moving.” At the start of the strike, Mr. MacKinnon ruled out government intervention, saying he expected both sides to reach an agreement through bargaining. Prof. Doorey believes that the minister’s statement on Wednesday is an attempt to pressure both parties to reach a deal. Meanwhile, consumers continue to feel the impact of the strike. Aftab Ahmed, a Bangladeshi national who recently became a Canadian citizen, told The Globe that both his Canadian and Bangladeshi passports are stuck in the mail after being mailed from the Bangladesh consulate in Toronto to his home, just hours after the strike began. He might not be able to travel to Bangladesh in December. “I strongly support unions and collective bargaining. However, this is the first time such a strike has directly affected me and I cannot deny my anxiety,” he said. Linda Croft, a resident of Fort Providence in the Northwest Territories, manages her town’s convenience store, gas bar and restaurant and said that the strike will mean fewer goods in stock at her stores. “The only alternative is to drive 16 hours to Alberta with hopes of finding what we need there in a store as opposed to getting goods delivered online.”Almost every second business lacks confidence in deepfake detection, according to a new industry assessment. This particularly relates to uncertainty with detection, leaving firms vulnerable to rising fraud risks. The study also uncovers significant gaps in preparedness, particularly in the Financial Services sector, where the threat is growing. The study comes from Regula , a global developer of identity verification solutions. The key message is a gap in preparedness: nearly half of businesses admit they are only partially confident in their ability to detect deepfakes, leaving them vulnerable to escalating fraud risks. Based on Regula’s study, “ The Deepfake Trends 2024 ,” 59 percent of businesses consider video deepfakes a serious threat, while 58 percent feel the same about audio deepfakes. Certain industries and regions feel the impact more acutely : In the Financial Services sector, 66 percent of respondents rank audio deepfakes as a moderate to significant risk. Traditional banks are among the least confident, with only 49 percent feeling prepared. In contrast, FinTech companies report the highest confidence levels at 63 percent. In terms of national trends, Mexico leads globally in deepfake threat perception, with 83 percent concerned about video deepfakes and 85 percent about audio deepfakes. By contrast, only 50 percent of U.S. organizations express concern about video deepfakes; meanwhile, Germany ranks slightly higher, with 57 percent of organizations worried. Germany leads in uncertainty, with only 47 percent of businesses expressing strong confidence in their defenses, while the UAE (63 percent) and the U.S. (60 percent) show the highest levels of confidence. Notably, businesses that have previously experienced identity fraud are twice as likely to view deepfake threats as a major concern. Despite widespread awareness, on average, 42 percent of businesses admit they are only “somewhat confident” in their ability to detect deepfakes. To address the issue, the study reveals that businesses adopting online identity verification (IDV) early are significantly more prepared. Those with seven years of IDV experience report 20 percent higher confidence than recent adopters. However, tackling deepfakes in-house can backfire. Companies building their own IDV systems reported higher average losses—$515,000 compared to $444,000 for those using ready-made solutions—underscoring the complexity of fighting fraud effectively. The report also uncovers a disconnect between owners and managers where 76 percent of business owners are confident in their ability to manage deepfake threats. Yet only 47 percent of managers feel the same, reflecting the day-to-day challenges of mitigating fraud. Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news.Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.
Colorado hands No. 2 UConn second straight loss in MauiSuper Micro Computer Gets Extension to File Delayed Annual ReportSpecial counsel moves to abandon election interference and classified documents cases against TrumpThe morning catch up: ASX to edge higher after Dow hits new high
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Biden opens final White House holiday season with turkey pardons and first lady gets Christmas tree WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has kicked off his final holiday season at the White House, issuing the traditional reprieve to two turkeys who will bypass the Thanksgiving table to live out their days in Minnesota. The president welcomed 2,500 guests under sunny skies as he cracked jokes about the fates of “Peach” and “Blossom.” He also sounded wistful tones about the last weeks of his presidency. Separately, first lady Jill Biden received the delivery of the official White House Christmas tree. And the Bidens are traveling to New York later Monday for an early holiday celebration with members of the Coast Guard. Couple charged in ring suspected of stealing $1 million in Lululemon clothes MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Connecticut couple has been charged in Minnesota with being part of a shoplifting ring suspected of stealing around $1 million in goods across the country from upscale athletic wear retailer Lululemon.Jadion Anthony Richards and Akwele Nickeisha Lawes-Richards, both of Danbury, Connecticut, were charged this month with one felony count of organized retail theft. Both went free last week after posting bail bonds of $100,000 for him and $30,000 for her. They're also suspected in thefts from Lululemon stores in Colorado, Utah, New York and Connecticut. They're due back in court next month. Formula 1 expands grid to add General Motors' Cadillac brand and new American team for 2026 season LAS VEGAS (AP) — Formula 1 will expand the grid in 2026 to make room for an American team that is partnered with General Motors. The approval ends years of wrangling that launched a federal investigation into why Colorado-based Liberty Media, would not approve the team initially started by Michael Andretti, who has since stepped aside. The 11th team will be called Cadillac F1 and be run by new Andretti Global majority owners Dan Towriss and Mark Walter. The team will use Ferrari engines its first two years until GM has a Cadillac engine built for competition in time for the 2028 season. US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher is retiring from international soccer U.S. women’s national team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher is retiring from international soccer. Naeher is on the team’s roster for a pair of upcoming matches in Europe but those will be her last after a full 11 years playing for the United States. Naeher was on the U.S. team that won the Women’s World Cup in 2019 and the gold medal at this year's Olympics in France. She’s the only U.S. goalkeeper to earn a shutout in both a World Cup and an Olympic final. Bah, humbug! Vandal smashes Ebenezer Scrooge's tombstone used in 'A Christmas Carol' movie LONDON (AP) — If life imitates art, a vandal in the English countryside may be haunted by The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Police in the town of Shrewsbury are investigating how a tombstone at the fictional grave of Ebenezer Scrooge was destroyed. The movie prop used in the 1984 adaption of Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol” had become a tourist attraction. The film starred George C. Scott as the cold-hearted curmudgeon who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve who show him what will become of his life if he doesn’t become a better person. West Mercia Police say the stone was vandalized in the past week. Megachurch founder T.D. Jakes suffers health incident during sermon at Dallas church DALLAS (AP) — The founder of Dallas-based megachurch The Potter's House, Bishop T.D. Jakes, was hospitalized after suffering what the church called a “slight health incident.” Jakes was speaking to churchgoers after he sat down and began trembling as several people gathered around him Sunday at the church. Jakes' daughter Sarah Jakes Roberts and her husband Touré Roberts said in a statement on social media late Sunday that Jakes was improving. The 67-year-old Jakes founded the non-denominational The Potter's House in 1996 and his website says it now has more than 30,000 members with campuses in Fort Worth and Frisco, Texas; and in Denver. At the crossroads of news and opinion, 'Morning Joe' hosts grapple with aftermath of Trump meeting The reaction of those who defended “Morning Joe” hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski for meeting with President-elect Trump sounds almost quaint in the days of opinionated journalism. Doesn't it makes sense, they said, for hosts of a political news show to meet with such an important figure? But given how “Morning Joe” has attacked Trump, its viewers felt insulted. Many reacted quickly by staying away. It all reflects the broader trend of opinion crowding out traditional journalist in today's marketplace, and the expectations that creates among consumers. By mid-week, the show's audience was less than two-thirds what it has typically been this year. Pilot dies in plane crash in remote woods of New York, puppy found alive WINDHAM, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities say a pilot and at least one dog he was transporting died when a small plane crashed in the snowy woods of the Catskill Mountains, though a puppy on the flight was found alive with two broken legs. The Greene County sheriff’s office says Seuk Kim of Springfield, Virginia, was flying from Maryland to Albany, New York, when the plane crashed at about 6:10 p.m. Sunday in a remote area. Officials believe the pilot died from the impact. The surviving dog was hospitalized, while a third dog was not located. The flight was connected with a not-for-profit group that transports rescue animals. Warren Buffett gives away another $1.1B and plans for distributing his $147B fortune after his death OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Investor Warren Buffett renewed his Thanksgiving tradition of giving by handing out more than $1.1 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to four of his family's foundations Monday, and he offered new details about who will be handing out the rest of his fortune after his death. Buffett has said previously that his three kids will distribute his remaining $147.4 billion fortune in the 10 years after his death, but now he has also designated successors for them because it’s possible that Buffett’s children could die before giving it all away. Buffett said he has no regrets about his decision to start giving away his fortune in 2006. Pop star Ed Sheeran apologizes to Man United boss Ruben Amorim for crashing interview MANCHESTER, England (AP) — British pop star Ed Sheeran has apologized to Ruben Amorim after inadvertently interrupting the new Manchester United head coach during a live television interview. Amorim was talking on Sky Sports after United’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich on Sunday when Sheeran walked up to embrace analyst Jamie Redknapp. The interview was paused before Redknapp told the pop star to “come and say hello in a minute.” Sheeran is a lifelong Ipswich fan and holds a minority stake in the club. He was pictured celebrating after Omari Hutchinson’s equalizing goal in the game at Portman Road.Evan Ferguson set to be loaned out by Brighton in January as €71m-rated Rep of Ireland star desperate for pitch time
