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Europe Scorched by Record Heatwave: France and Italy Take Emergency Measures

As a blistering heatwave tightens its grip on Europe, countries are scrambling to protect citizens from soaring temperatures and mounting health risks. France has shuttered over 1,350 schools  and closed the top floor of the Eiffel Tower as temperatures surged past 40°C (104°F)  in several regions. Sixteen French departments are now under the highest heat alert, with authorities urging people to stay hydrated and indoors during peak hours. Meanwhile, Italy has imposed restrictions on outdoor work , particularly in agriculture and construction, during the hottest parts of the day. Cities like Rome, Milan, and Venice are under red alerts, with hospitals reporting a spike in heat-related illnesses. The Mediterranean Sea has also hit record highs, with waters in Spain’s Balearic Sea reaching 30°C , up to 6 degrees above average. Scientists warn that Europe—already warming at twice the global average —is facing increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. New ...

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Canada Post Resumes Operations Tuesday After Month-Long Strike

 

 Mail is set to begin moving again on Tuesday, December 17, after a month-long strike by Canada Post employees. The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) ordered the postal workers back to work, declaring an impasse in negotiations between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW).

While operations will technically resume on Tuesday, Canada Post has warned that it will take time to clear the backlog of packages and letters that accumulated during the strike. The company will not receive or pick up new products until Thursday, December 19, and will start accepting new international mail on December 23.

Canadians should expect delays into January 2025, and post office hours of operation may vary as the company ramps up operations. The CIRB has extended the current collective agreements until May 22, 2025, to allow for continued negotiations.

Canada Post and the union have agreed to implement a five percent wage increase, retroactive to the day after the collective agreements expired. Key issues in the dispute included wage increases and a push by Canada Post to expand delivery to the weekend.

The federal government had initially resisted intervening in the dispute but eventually directed the CIRB to order the workers back to work. Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon emphasized the need to address the structural issues facing Canada Post and find a sustainable solution.

As operations resume, Canada Post is committed to providing customers with as much information as possible regarding specific timelines and capacity. The company is also working to ensure that employees are compensated fairly during this transition period.




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