Posts by Joe Weppler

Canada Post and its union aren’t negotiating

Canada Post and its union aren’t negotiating
December 6, 2018 | by

shipping cost reduction servicesSometimes, you just have to find someone else to make a decision for you.

It’s been over a week since Canadian postal workers were forced back to their jobs by legislation – but Canada Post and its union aren’t negotiating. Instead, they’re waiting for the government to appoint a mediator to resolve the issues that have plagued the Canadian post environment for nearly a month and a half.

Back-to-work legislation was officially passed last Monday ending legal strike action, but the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) warned officials that their fight is far from over.

CUPW president Mike Palecek called the legislation unconstitutional, stating “you cannot legislate labour peace.”

“In the coming days, we will be calling on our allies and membership for a campaign of mobilizations, demonstrations and non-violent civil disobedience,” Palecek’s statement said.

Both Canada Post and the CUPW were warned last week by Employment Minister Patty Hadju that the government would issue back-to-work legislation should they fail to reach an agreement within a few days.

True to her word, Bill C-89 was fast-tracked by the Liberal government through the House of Commons, and the Senate vote passed by 53 to 25, with four abstentions. C-89 imposes fines anywhere from $1,000 to $50,000 per day on anyone found in contravention of the act, and up to $100,000 per day against CUPW or Canada post if either are found guilty of violating the terms.

Many Canadians depend on Canada Post to ship their small packages and mail, especially with the rapid approach of the holiday season. Despite the legislation, Canada Post has warned Canadians that they can expect delays of both mail and package delivery into the new year as a result of the rotating walkouts employed by CUPW.

If you’re nervous about potential delayed or missed deliveries this holiday season, there are several domestic and international small package shipping and courier businesses in Canada that remain unaffected by the strikes.

If you’re a business owner looking to reduce shipping costs, visit https://www.schooleymitchell.com/services/shipping/ for more information.

Hurricane Florence victims will receive free telecom services

Hurricane Florence victims will receive free telecom services
September 18, 2018 | by

According to telecompaper, wireless and prepaid customers of AT&T and Verizon who live in the areas most impacted by Hurricane Florence will be receiving free services from their carrier. This will mostly apply to customers living in the Carolinas.

AT&T will be providing unlimited talk, text, and data for its impacted customers. Likewise, Verizon will be giving free talk, text, and data to its customers effected by the storm.

Both carriers have also lifted speed caps and restrictions for first responders in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

This small but crucial act could be lifesaving, and shows just how important carriers and ISPs are in disaster situations. If not lifesaving, at the very least this service allows victims to keep their friends and families updated to their status and safety during the hurricane.

Source: AT&T, Verizon to give unlimited communications to customers affected by Hurricane Florence – telecompaper.com
Published: September 12, 2018

Managing your personal network

Managing your personal network
June 29, 2017 | by

Keeping expenses down while maintaining the speeds and data you need can be a delicate balance. Here are some tips for managing your own personal network to ensure you’re getting what you need without breaking the bank.

1: Assess what you’re paying for!

You need to make sure you understand exactly what you are paying each month and what you’re getting for those payments. Are you paying full price? Are you paying for services you don’t need? Are you paying for services you don’t even realize you have access to? Are you signed up for a minimum-term contract with penalties for breaking it? If you don’t understand, call customer service and have them explain it to you!

All this information is important not only for your own records, but because if you know exactly what you’re paying for, you’ll know exactly how to bargain for better prices. Ensure that you review your account information, billing information and contract so you have a thorough understanding of where your money is going.

2: Have a clear understanding of your needs!

It’s very important to separate the relevant from the irrelevant. Sometimes you see a deal that sounds too good to pass up, but you need to remember that a deal is only a deal if it’s something you’re actually going to use! Do you only use your smart phone and watch Netflix? Then why are you paying for a home phone/cable bundle? Even if you’re paying a reduced price, if you’re not using the product, it’s not worth your money.

3: Be timely and accurate!

Phone and internet providers want your business as long as you’re paying for it. As soon as you’re not making timely payments, your business is no longer a priority. Write down your payment dates and pay them in full, on time, every month. If you’re always paying and you’re always on time, you have leverage because the company wants to keep you as a customer! You can use that to bargain down prices.

4: Don’t be afraid to haggle!

So now you’ve assessed your payments, you’ve trimmed the fat and gotten rid of the things you don’t need and you’ve paid your bills in full and on time. The company wants your business! Now is the time to haggle.

Don’t accept the posted price. If you don’t ask, you don’t get! If you can’t get a deal from the person you’re talking to, escalate the call and ask for the retention department. Come prepared with alternative options and services if they try to call your bluff – with the amount of competition, you can squeeze even the large companies to give you a discount.

Finally, remember to be polite and professional. Sometimes, discounts are discretionary – which means an employee can decide whether or not to offer them to a customer. If you’re rude and aggressive, you’re much less likely to be offered the discount.

A solution in sight to Samsung’s Pink Line issue?

A solution in sight to Samsung’s Pink Line issue?
January 26, 2017 | by

galaxy-s7-edge-stillIt was just not Samsung’s year. First, the Galaxy Note 7s began exploding. Then, the replacements did as well. Now, Samsung’s Galaxy S7 edge has its own unique issue that is plaguing users.

According to TechTimes, Galaxy S7 edge users have been reporting a defect in the phone that causes a pink or purple line to appear across the screen. Samsung has now come forward to acknowledge the issue.

Samsung claims the display issue occurs only if a handset has been dropped, but it’s possible for the line to appear on a phone that does not have a broken display. The line is caused by damage to the phones internal circuitry.

However, multiple Galaxy S7 edge users have claimed they did not drop their phone and think it could be a software issue. Some even questioned whether or not the issue was covered under warranty.

Samsung has promised repairs under warranty, but only if the devices have no visible damage. If there is physical damage to the phone, the user will be footing the bill.

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