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Greece Launches €4 Billion Defense Overhaul with New Air Shield and F‑16 Upgrades

  Hellenic Air Force F-16s fly during a military parade marking an anniversary of ‘Ochi’ Day in Thessaloniki, October 28, 2022. Greece has approved a major €4 billion defense modernization package, including a new multi‑layer air and drone defense system and upgrades to 38 F‑16 fighter jets. The move strengthens the country’s “Achilles Shield” program and deepens defense cooperation with Israel.  Greece Advances Major Defense Modernization Plan Greece’s national security council (KYSEA) has formally approved a sweeping defense upgrade valued at approximately €4 billion , marking one of the country’s most significant military investments in recent years.  🇬🇷 Key Components of the Package €3 billion multi-layer air and drone defense system , forming the backbone of the “Achilles Shield” program. Greece is in advanced talks with Israel to supply major missile system components.  Upgrade of 38 F‑16 fighter jets to the advanced Viper configuration, enhancing ...

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Canada Post Strike Disrupts Black Friday Sales and Holiday Shipments

 

The ongoing Canada Post strike has significantly disrupted Black Friday sales and holiday shipments, causing frustration among businesses and consumers alike. The strike, which began on November 15, 2024, has now entered its third week, with over 55,000 postal workers demanding improved wages and job security.

The timing of the strike couldn't be worse, as the period leading up to Black Friday and the holiday season is typically the busiest time of the year for Canada Post. The Crown corporation has reported missing out on delivering approximately 10 million parcels since the strike began. This has forced many small businesses to seek alternative, often more expensive, shipping options.

Retail analyst Bruce Winder noted that while larger retailers with their own logistics networks are less affected, small businesses are bearing the brunt of the strike. "The price increase from Canada Post to couriers is significant, and most small businesses can't afford to absorb these costs," Winder said.

Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), added that some small businesses might take a loss this season just to get goods out the door and avoid inventory pileups in the new year. "If we don't have the strike resolved this week, most merchants are not going to be able to use Canada Post as a reliable delivery service," Kelly warned.

Even if the strike is resolved soon, it will likely take weeks for Canada Post to clear the backlog of unsent items and catch up with the demand. This means that many holiday packages may not arrive until after Christmas, causing further inconvenience for consumers and businesses.

The strike has also highlighted the vulnerability of rural and remote communities that rely solely on Canada Post for their mail delivery. "Everyone saying we don't need Canada Post obviously doesn't live in a rural area that couriers don't come to," one consumer commented online.

As negotiations between Canada Post and the union continue, businesses and consumers are left hoping for a swift resolution to minimize the impact on the holiday season.



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